Atletico Madrid defender Cristian Romero has been named the new captain of the Argentina national football team following the departure of Lionel Messi, according to sports broadcaster TyC Sports.
The 28-year-old central defender takes over the captaincy after establishing himself as a mainstay in the national side. In his international career with Argentina, Romero became a world champion in 2022 and a World Cup runner-up in 2026.
Romero plays his club football in Spain for Atletico Madrid, one of the premier clubs in European football competing in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Known for his assertive defending and physical presence, the defender now assumes the highest leadership role in South American international football.
Departure of Lionel Messi
The appointment follows Messi's decision to announce his retirement from international football. The forward described his decision to step away as painful, saying that the choice still echoed with pain deep inside him, but explaining that he understood it was the right moment to end his international career.
Messi had represented the Argentina national team since 2005, spending over two decades as the central figure of the side. During his international career, he led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and won two Copa America titles, cementing his legacy as one of football's greatest players.
His international career concluded at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina reached the tournament final before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Spain after extra time.
TyC Sports report and squad transition
News of Romero's appointment was reported by TyC Sports, the Argentine sports television network that closely covers the national team. The channel reported that the defender has been chosen to lead the squad into its next international cycle.
The Argentina national football team, three-time World Cup winners, now enters a transitional period as the squad adjusts to life without Messi. Romero will be tasked with guiding a changing team through upcoming international fixtures and tournament qualifiers.
Having earned both a World Cup winner's medal in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2026, the 28-year-old defender inherits the captain's armband as Argentina begins its post-Messi era.
