/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2Fromero-6a4ff3960ae0a120190780.jpg "Angel Di Maria Backs Cristian Romero as Argentina Captain After Lionel Messi's Retirement")
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has named defender Cristian Romero to take over the captain’s role following Lionel Messi’s international retirement, a decision that has received the backing of 2022 World Cup winner Angel Di Maria. La Albiceleste are entering a new era after Messi announced his retirement from international football last month.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami star will officially bring the curtain down on his Argentina career in next month’s friendly against Benin. Messi’s retirement left Scaloni with the task of choosing a successor for the long-time captain, ultimately confirming that the Atletico Madrid defender will take over the armband.
Di Maria Endorses Scaloni’s Selection
Di Maria, who starred in Argentina’s World Cup-winning campaign, has offered his full backing to the decision, insisting that the defender deserves
the honour of leading his country.
I think it’s a great choice by Scaloni and the coaching staff.
He deserves it because he’s a great guy.
He has a great temperament to carry the armband and I’m sure he’ll do a great job.
Long-Term Vision for the Squad
Although questions were raised about Romero’s captaincy credentials following his time as Tottenham Hotspur skipper—which ended with doubts over his commitment and the club’s close call with relegation—he remains a respected figure within the Argentina setup. He has previously fulfilled the role on a few occasions across his 58 international appearances.
At 28 years old, Romero boasts plenty of international experience while retaining years ahead of him in an Argentina shirt, making the appointment a long-term vision rather than a stop-gap solution according to reports.