Argentina are preparing to step into the post-Messi era, with Cristian Romero appointed as the national team’s new captain ahead of Lionel Messi’s final international appearance.
The Ligue 1 news
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on Tuesday that Romero will take the armband once Messi has retired from international football. The Tottenham defender, known as Cuti, moves ahead of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and striker Lautaro Martínez in the new leadership order.
“After Leo and Otamendi, Cuti was next in line,” Scaloni said. “Emiliano Martínez will be second and Lautaro third. Cuti has accepted the responsibility. He must show what being captain means, because his behaviour will set an example for the others.”
Messi is due to play the last match of his Argentina career against Benin on 7 October. Scaloni acknowledged that replacing the influence of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will not be a simple task, on or off the pitch.
“Beyond the player he is, I have never seen anyone create what Messi creates, both inside the group and outside it,” Scaloni said. “But we have people capable of leading. Above all, we have good people. We are not looking for a single strongman; we want positive people. Together, we will try to make up for what Leo brought.”
The next appointment in France
Argentina’s immediate focus is the meeting with Benin on 7 October, which is set to bring Messi’s international career to its conclusion and formally open Romero’s captaincy.
Scaloni also rejected suggestions that he is tiring of the Argentina job. The coach said he still wants to continue, although he stressed that he had needed to reflect after the final and assess the sporting situation.
“The desire to remain with the national team is still there,” he said. “I said after the final that I needed to think carefully. I had to analyse the sporting side, which is fundamental. When there is something to communicate, we will do it.”
