Cristian Romero has revealed that Lionel Messi played a direct role in choosing him as Argentina’s new captain, describing the responsibility as something very special.
Argentina Star Reveals Messi Personally Helped Choose Him as New Captain
Lionel Messi played a direct role in choosing Argentina’s new captain, according to Cristian Romero.
The Tottenham defender has revealed that Messi personally supported the decision to give him the armband as Argentina prepare for a new era.
However, Messi did not make the decision alone.
Romero explained that head coach Lionel Scaloni was also involved in choosing him for the important leadership role.
Romero reveals Messi’s role in captain decision
Speaking in new content produced with Adidas Football, Romero opened up about the moment he was told he would become Argentina captain.
He said:
“He chose me to be the captain of the national team.”
Romero was referring to Messi.
But he quickly made clear that the decision was made together with Scaloni.
That means Messi had a direct influence on the choice of the player expected to lead Argentina into the next chapter.
A special responsibility for Romero
Romero described becoming Argentina captain as a major honour.
The defender has become one of the most important players in Scaloni’s squad and has been part of the team’s greatest recent successes.
He helped Argentina win the Copa América and the World Cup while building a reputation as one of the strongest defenders in international football.
Now he has been trusted with an even bigger responsibility.
Scaloni already backed Romero
Scaloni had previously confirmed that Romero was the leading candidate to take the armband.
The Argentina coach described him as:
“The right one.”
Romero had already been high in Argentina’s leadership order behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi.
Other experienced stars such as Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez also remain important leaders inside the squad.
But Romero has now moved into the main captaincy role.
Romero starts new chapter in perfect way
The defender has already experienced an emotional night while wearing the armband.
Romero captained Argentina during their convincing 4-0 victory over Bolivia.
He also scored during the match, making the occasion even more memorable.
It was an ideal start to his new role as one of the main leaders of the national team.
Messi’s absence feels strange
Romero also spoke emotionally about Messi’s absence from the current Argentina camp.
He admitted that the situation feels unusual after spending so many years playing alongside the legendary forward.
Romero also revealed that he sometimes wishes he had shown Messi more clearly how much he respected and appreciated him while they were together.
His comments showed just how important Messi has been to the current generation of Argentina players.
Romero praises Messi’s leadership
Romero also explained what made Messi such an important captain.
According to the defender, Messi always placed the team ahead of himself.
That quality helped him become much more than Argentina’s biggest football star.
For Romero, Messi’s leadership was based not only on talent, but also on the way he treated his teammates and protected the group.
Argentina preparing for life after Messi
The captaincy decision is another important sign that Argentina are preparing for a new era.
Messi has been the face and leader of the national team for more than a decade.
Under his captaincy, Argentina won the Copa América, the Finalissima and the World Cup.
Replacing that leadership will therefore be almost impossible for one player.
But Romero now has the responsibility of helping the next generation continue the winning culture Messi helped create.
Messi still influencing Argentina’s future
Even as his time with the national team moves towards its final stage, Messi is still influencing Argentina’s future.
His involvement in the choice of Romero shows that he remains part of important decisions surrounding the squad.
And for Romero, being personally supported by Messi makes the captaincy even more meaningful.
Argentina may soon enter a new era without their legendary No.10, but Messi has already helped choose one of the men expected to lead the team forward.
