Argentina’s new captain, Cristian Romero, has revealed that Lionel Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni were involved in choosing him to succeed the outgoing captain.
Romero disclosed this during an interview with Adidas Football, describing the appointment as a “beautiful” responsibility.
“He chose me to be captain, and that’s something beautiful,” Romero said, referring to Messi. He added that he wished he had shown the veteran forward more affection during their time together with the national team.
Scaloni had earlier confirmed Romero as Argentina’s captain following Messi’s decision to end his international career. Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez were named as the other senior leaders.
Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez praised Messi for his influence on the Argentina squad and the country.
Martinez said Messi did more than unite the national team, describing him as someone who brought an entire nation together.
“He did not merely unite the players within the national squad. He unified an entire nation,” Martinez said.
Messi, 39, is set to make his final appearance for Argentina against Benin on October 6, bringing his international career to an end after more than two decades. The Argentine Football Association confirmed his retirement from the national team after a career that included the 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup, and 2024 Copa América titles.
