Angel Di Maria Supports Cristian Romero as Argentina's New Captain Ahead of Messi's Farewell

Angel Di Maria has voiced his strong support for Cristian Romero, recently named the new captain of Argentina following Lionel Messi's upcoming retirement from international football. This leadership shift comes as Messi prepares for his emotional final match against Benin on October 6.

Scaloni Names Romero as Permanent Captain

The Argentine coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed that 28-year-old Atletico Madrid defender Romero will take over as Argentina’s permanent captain once Messi steps down. Previously the third captain behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi, Romero has already captained the team in matches against Chile, Venezuela, and Mauritania when senior players were unavailable.

Di Maria Praises Romero's Qualities

Speaking on SportsCenter, Di Maria applauded the decision, saying: "He deserves it. I think it’s a great choice by Scaloni and the coaching staff. He deserves it because he’s a great guy. He has a great temperament to carry the armband and I’m sure he’ll do a great job."

He urged fans to keep supporting the national team, adding, "I’m happy that people continue to support the national team because they will surely continue to bring us joy."

Scaloni Clarifies Leadership Hierarchy

Scaloni explained the captaincy order to TyC Sports, emphasizing the smooth transition planned for the squad’s leadership. His comments included:

• Captain: Cristian "Cuti" Romero
• Previous Captains: Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi
• Other Players Eligible to Wear Armband: Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul (not available for upcoming games), Lautaro Martinez

He stressed, "Cuti is the right one."

Upcoming Matches Mark New Era

Before Messi's farewell game against Benin, Argentina faces Bolivia and Burkina Faso in friendlies. These fixtures will set the stage for Romero's official assumption of captain duties, marking a significant moment for the team. The defender now faces the challenge of maintaining high standards and uniting the squad without the presence of the legendary Messi.