Argentina are preparing for life after Lionel Messi, and Lionel Scaloni has officially chosen Cristian “Cuti” Romero as the national team’s next captain. Speaking at the AFA training centre, the coach said Romero was already third in the leadership hierarchy behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi, making him the natural successor as both veterans step aside. Scaloni added that other senior figures — Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez — could also wear the armband when needed, but Romero will be the primary leader.

The announcement comes as Messi approaches his final appearance for Argentina, scheduled for October 6 against Benin at the Monumental. He will miss the matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, meaning his farewell will take place exclusively in Buenos Aires.

For Romero, the promotion marks the beginning of a new chapter. With Messi and Otamendi departing, he is tasked with guiding a squad entering a significant generational transition on and off the pitch.