Cristian Romero set to succeed Lionel Messi as Argentina captain

Messi has announced his retirement from international football, but the Argentina legend still has one final appearance to make for his country. He is set to play his farewell match against Benin on October 6, bringing his remarkable international career to a close.

Once Messi's final game is complete, Romero will take over the captain's armband as Argentina begin a new era.

Scaloni confirmed Romero's promotion while discussing Argentina's leadership structure ahead of their upcoming international fixtures.

The Atletico Madrid defender has already been part of the team's leadership group, sitting behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi in the previous hierarchy.

"The captain is going to be Cuti. He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota," Scaloni said, according to TyC Sports.

The coach also highlighted several other senior players who could captain Argentina when required, including Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez.

However, Scaloni made it clear that Romero is his preferred successor to Messi.

"Cuti is the right one," he said.

The decision does not come without precedent. Romero has already worn the captain's armband on three occasions under Scaloni.

His first appearance as captain came during Argentina's 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile in 2025.

He was subsequently handed the armband for a friendly against Venezuela before captaining the team again in a 2-1 win over Mauritania ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Those previous experiences have helped establish Romero as one of the senior figures within the Argentina squad.

Although Messi has retired from international football, Argentina supporters will have one final opportunity to see him represent the national team.

His last fixture for Argentina will be the October 6 friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The match will mark the conclusion of Messi's international career after years of unprecedented success with Argentina, including victories at the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.

After the Benin fixture, Argentina will move forward without their long-time captain, with Romero taking responsibility for leading the next generation.

Romero's appointment is part of a broader transition within the Argentina squad.

With Messi stepping away and Otamendi no longer occupying his previous position in the leadership hierarchy, Scaloni is turning to a younger group of senior players.

Romero will be the primary captain, while Martinez, De Paul and Lautaro Martinez remain among the players capable of taking on leadership responsibilities.

The transition gives Argentina a clear succession plan as Scaloni begins building the team around a new generation.

Argentina's upcoming fixtures have also been affected by injuries.

Thiago Almada and Juan Foyth have been ruled out of the squad after suffering injuries, with the Argentine Football Association confirming that both players would miss the upcoming friendlies.

Equi Fernandez, Santiago Simon and Valentin Gomez have reportedly been added to the wider group as Scaloni considers his options.

For now, though, the spotlight remains on Messi's final appearance. When Argentina face Benin on October 6, one of the greatest chapters in the country's football history will come to an end â” and Romero will be ready to begin the next one as captain.

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