After Messi’s international retirement, Cristian Romero named Argentina captain | OneFootball

Cristian Romero has been named Argentina captain following Lionel Messi’s international retirement, head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on Tuesday.

According to L'Équipe, Scaloni set out a new leadership order, with Romero skipper, Emiliano Martínez vice-captain and Lautaro Martínez third in line. He said Romero has accepted the armband and must embody the role, with conduct others will want to emulate.

With around a week until Messi’s final Argentina match, against Benin on seven October, Scaloni reflected on life without him, saying he had never seen anyone generate such impact on and off the pitch.

He stressed the squad has leaders and, above all, good people, and that they are not seeking a caudillo. Together, he said, they will try to compensate for what Messi provided.

Addressing rumours about his own fatigue, Scaloni rejected the doubts and said he still wants to continue with the Selección, while analysing the sporting picture he views as fundamental. Any decision, he added, will be communicated when the time comes.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”