The armband has been handed over: Argentina names new captain after Messi era

Cristian Romero will take over Argentina’s captaincy after Lionel Messi’s retirement from the national team, bringing a new leader to a side that Messi guided for 15 years.

The 28-year-old defender, who plays for Atletico Madrid, has already worn the armband three times for Argentina. He has made 58 appearances for the senior team, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

Messi became captain in 2011 and remained in the role until his recently announced retirement at the age of 39. During his time as leader, Argentina won two Copa América titles and the World Cup. Romero now inherits the captaincy of that successful generation.

Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came at the World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. He scored eight goals and supplied four assists as Argentina reached the final. A few weeks after his father’s death, Messi announced in an open letter that he would no longer represent Argentina.

His international career began in August 2005 and ended with 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina. At club level, his largest totals came with Barcelona, where he played 778 matches, scored 672 goals and recorded 303 assists. His honors include the World Cup, four Champions League titles, three European Super Cups, 10 Spanish league titles and two French league titles.