Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the captaincy order following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.
Scaloni has been tasked with rebuilding the national team in the post-Messi era, and one of his responsibilities is to find his successor as the team’s captain.
Without wasting any time, the Argentina coach has already chosen Messi’s successor, with Atlético Madrid defender Cristian Romero set to take over as captain.
“After Leo and Otamendi, the captain will be Cuti Romero. Emiliano Martínez will be the second, and Lautaro Martínez the third,” Scaloni said.
Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup runners-up will face Bolivia tonight in a friendly before hosting Burkina Faso on Saturday.
The friendly against Benin on October 6 will be Lionel Messi’s farewell match with the Argentina national team.
