Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP) - While the Argentine national team finalizes details to say goodbye to Lionel Messi in style on Tuesday, behind the scenes looms the biggest challenge in the career of Cristian "Cuti" Romero, the new heir to the captain's armband in the Albiceleste.

First modification: 02/10/2026 - 19:14

Considered one of the best central defenders in the world, the 28-year-old player was appointed by coach Lionel Scaloni to captain the Albiceleste against Bolivia (4-0), in the first of two friendlies before Messi's farewell.

The 10 landed this Friday in Argentina and this Saturday (00:00 GMT on Sunday) he could attend the Monumental with his family for the match against Burkina Faso, the second rehearsal before wearing the light blue and white for the last time against Benin, on Tuesday on the same stage.

That night, in front of almost 90,000 spectators who sold out tickets in less than two hours, Messi will definitively hand the bracelet to "Cuti" Romero.

- "There will not be another like him" -

Against the Bolivians, the Atlético de Madrid defender experienced a more than special match at the Mario Alberto Kempes, because in addition to wearing the headband in the stadium of his hometown, he scored the third of the night with a header.

"It was a special day. Ten years ago I debuted here with Belgrano, and to return as captain, having lived through the greatest era of our team, is something beautiful. I would never have imagined this. It is a very big responsibility, but I feel prepared," Romero told TyC Sports.

Regarding the mission of replacing the 39-year-old idol in the captaincy, he considered that "there will not be another" like Messi. "We are going to miss Leo, our captain. He left us a very great legacy, but we must continue to take Argentina to the top again."

Romero debuted as a professional in Belgrano de Córdoba, one of the most popular clubs in that province, and a couple of seasons later he emigrated to the Italian Serie A where he had a spell with Atalanta, Genoa and Juventus, which paid close to 20 million euros for his signing.

In 2021, the defender's career took off when he arrived for 35 million euros at Tottenham in England, where he played 157 games until he established himself as a bannerman for the Spurs, who under his captaincy won the UEFA Europa League last year.

The new captain of the "Scaloneta"

Immovable in the "Scaloneta" world champion in Qatar 2022 and runner-up in North America 2026, Romero arrived at Atlético de Madrid this season (€40 million) at the explicit request of Argentine coach Diego Simeone.

His story with the Albiceleste began with some calls in the youth teams, until Scaloni made him debut in the senior team in mid-2021. With a handful of games, he was key in the team that won the 2021 Copa América against Brazil (1-0) at the Maracaná, the first title in 28 years for Argentina.

Romero has accumulated 59 games with the Argentine national team and 5 goals, all with headers, as he is one of the keys to the attack in still-ball plays.

"He is a great footballer. Being healthy, he is one of the best defenders in the world, I have no doubts. We always prefer to have him on the playing field because he gives us an extra," Scaloni praised him a few days ago, without overlooking the fact that throughout his career he has suffered from muscle and knee injuries.

In the same sense, the Argentina coach considered that "he is a special player, who has a good pass", and was clear about what he wants from his new captain.

"Sometimes his leg goes a little bit and he has to correct that, because now he is the captain of the national team and will be part of history. His behavior has to be exemplary and I think he will understand it," said the coach.

Scaloni confirmed Romero as captain after the retirements of Messi and defender Nicolás Otamendi, while goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez and Lautaro Martínez will be the substitute captains in case of the Cordoba's absence.

On Tuesday, the 2022 world champions will accompany Messi in his final farewell to the national team, for which he is the footballer with the most titles, all-time top scorer (125 goals) and player with the most appearances (207).

© 2026 AFP

The content you requested does not exist or is no longer available.