Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has announced Cristian Romero will take over as the nation's captain, succeeding Lionel Messi. Messi confirmed his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi departs as Argentina's most-capped and highest-scoring player, having led them to a World Cup, two Copa América titles, and the Finalissima. Scaloni stated that Romero, who recently moved from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid, is the "right one" for the role. Romero was previously the third captain, behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi. Other potential candidates mentioned by Scaloni include Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martinez. Romero has already captained Argentina three times. Argentina is scheduled to play a friendly against Bolivia, followed by matches against Burkina Faso and Benin on October 6, which is expected to be Messi's final international appearance.