In Córdoba, where the central hills meet one of Argentina’s most football-minded cities, Cristian “Cuti” Romero is preparing for a different kind of homecoming. The Atlético de Madrid defender will lead Argentina for the first time as its designated captain when Bolivia visit the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium.
The news from the club
Argentina enter the friendly at the beginning of a new international chapter. Their last outing ended in defeat in the World Cup final against Spain, decided by Ferrán Torres in extra time. Lionel Scaloni remains in charge, but Lionel Messi will no longer be on the pitch for the Albiceleste.
Romero, 28 and born in Córdoba, has been chosen to take the armband. Scaloni described the defender as “the right person” for the role during his first press conference of the new cycle.
The centre-back has worn the captain’s armband three times before, each occasion coming when Messi and Nicolás Otamendi, the established senior captains, were unavailable. This time, however, Romero begins as Argentina’s first captain, with goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez and striker Lautaro Martínez next in the leadership order.
His arrival has already become one of the main scenes around the national team camp. Around a thousand supporters gathered outside the team hotel, prompting Romero to come out and sign autographs.
The match carries added local significance for Atlético Madrid. Romero is expected to start, as is fellow Córdoba province native Julián Álvarez, who comes from Calchín. Goalkeeper Juan Musso and winger Giuliano Simeone are set to wait for their chance among the substitutes.
A Córdoba appointment with Bolivia
Argentina face Bolivia in the early hours between Wednesday and Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 2am. The Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium offers Romero a first official evening as captain in the city where his own football journey began.
