Romero chosen as Argentina’s new captain after Messi exit

Argentina have picked Cristian Romero as their new captain after Lionel Messi ended his international career, according to local reports.

Armband passes to Romero

The move hands the symbolic role to the Atlético Madrid defender after years of Messi leading the world champions.

Romero, 28, has established himself as a key figure for Lionel Scaloni and now takes on a bigger responsibility with the national side. The source material says his combative style and standing in the dressing room have made him one of the coach’s main on-field leaders.

New phase for the world champions

Messi’s captaincy brought two Copa América titles and one World Cup, and Romero now inherits the job in the post-Messi era.

The report does not say when Romero will first wear the armband, but the change marks a clear shift in Argentina’s leadership group after Messi’s departure from international football.