Following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football, a leadership change is coming for the Argentina national team. Cristian Romero is set to become the permanent captain as Messi’s successor, according to a report citing ESPN journalist Esteban Edul.
With Messi’s long chapter in the Argentina jersey now over, Romero is being viewed as the frontrunner for the captaincy, although the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has not yet officially announced a new captain.
Romero gained leadership experience even while Messi was the regular captain. He first led Argentina in a match against Chile in 2026 World Cup qualifying, with Messi on the bench that day due to physical discomfort. Under Romero’s captaincy, Argentina won the match 1-0.
The defender later wore the captain’s armband in two friendlies against Venezuela and Mauritania as well, further building the expectation that he would take over the leadership role after Messi.
The 28-year-old Romero made his national team debut in a friendly against Chile ahead of the 2021 Copa America. He has since become one of the most important members of Lionel Scaloni’s backline. He has played 58 matches for Argentina, scoring four goals.
Argentina won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and the Finalissima during Romero’s time with the national team. After the generation of Messi, Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi, Romero could now become the new focal point of leadership.
Taking on the captaincy at age 28 would give him a long stretch of time to lead the side, with the Tottenham defender potentially in position to captain Argentina through the 2030 World Cup. For now, though, the matter isn’t confirmed, and an official announcement from the AFA is awaited. Still, multiple reports have placed Romero as the clear favorite to become Messi’s permanent successor as captain.