Leo Messi retired from Argentina, and he left the captain’s armband as well. The question arises: “Who will be the Next Captain of Argentina after Messi?” With no declaration yet from the board or the coach, SportsMaona assesses the probable options that could replace Messi as the Argentine skipper. Premier League Transfers 26-27 Done Deal.
Who will be the Next Captain of Argentina after Messi?
Which teammate will wear Messi’s armband? Before answering the questions, let’s take a look at the options first:
| Player Name | Position & Current Club | Current Age (September 2026) |
| Cristian Romero | Center Back, Atletico Madrid | 28 Years |
| Rodrigo De Paul | Midfielder, Inter Miami | 32 Years |
| Emiliano Martinez | Goalkeeper, Chelsea | 33 Years |
| Lautaro Martinez | Striker, Inter Milan | 29 Years |
| Enzo Fernandez | Midfielder, Man City | 25 Years |
These 5 candidates are the top options considered for the Argentine national football team skipper spot.
Cristian Romero
Without a doubt, Romero seems to be the most likely option. The center-back possesses leadership on the pitch. The new signing of Atletico Madrid not only offers a strong personality but is also able to communicate directly with teammates. Cuti has captaincy experience at the club level. He is also at the prime age for a captain, neither much younger nor too old. The former Tottenham CB can be a long-term effective option, probably for a World Cup & a couple of Copa America editions.
Rodrigo De Paul
Being the right-hand man to Leo Messi, De Paul indeed obtained considerable leadership experience within Argentina’s dressing room. He is superb with a vocal presence on the pitch. Meanwhile, his constant communication with teammates also makes him a top option. He is 32 and may serve in a Copa America and a World Cup. However, the biggest factor is that he has already shown his performance declining in the latest World Cup. De Paul might get a bit too old to be considered for the next World Cup First 11 unless he shows some serious form.
Emi Martinez
Martinez is perhaps the most popular Argentine footballer in the current squad, excluding Messi. He is also popular among his teammates, following his heroics over multiple major events. The gloveman is a strong personality and vocally present. He can inspire his teammates. But as a keeper, he would get the least chance to communicate with the referee while protesting a decision. He may not be present during some serious discussions in the final 3rd or some other intense situations. Emi is 33, but as a keeper, he can play a couple more major events, including the 2030 FIFA WC. Thus, he is also a serious contender, tbh.
Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro has the Inter Milan armband and offers more captaincy experience in the squad. He is 29 and at a very good age to be captain. But the biggest factor is that Lautaro is not guaranteed a place in the 11 in every major game. However, after Messi’s departure, you will see him start more frequently. But Argentina has way too many options at the front to test or replace in matches. Lautaro may not even be present for 120 minutes during knockout fixtures. All these factors put him a bit behind the likes of Romero or Emiliano.
Enzo Fernandez
He is just 25 and has much left in his career. Enzo has gained captaincy experience during his time at Chelsea. The midfielder is a consistent performer. His age also suggests that he has a very good chance to be Argentina’s skipper in the future. However, that may not be right now; his time as the regular national team captain may come a World Cup later (after the 2030 WC).
Another possible candidate might be Lisandro Martinez, who also may have a slight chance to be the national team’s captain. Another option with the least chance might be Julián Álvarez.
Who is the Captain of Argentina after Messi?
Messi didn’t start in only 1 game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was the game against Jordan. That game was captained by Nicolás Otamendi. However, the veteran has already retired from the national team, a couple of days after the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
The possible options to be the captain of Argentina after Messi are: Cristian Romero, Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Lisandro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, etc. Premier League TV Rights 26-27 (Where can I watch EPL 2026/27?).
Who will be Argentina’s Next Captain?
According to multiple sources and the analysis of SportsMaona experts, Cristian (Cuti) Romero will be Argentina’s next captain. Why should Romero be the next Argentina skipper?
- Cuti brings fierce leadership
- Deep tactical experience
- Core defensive capability & stability
- Vocal presence
- Communication capacity
- Strong personality
- Inspiring teammates
- Consistent in the First XI
- Able to play 120 minutes on most occasions
- Perfect age to captain the side through the next Copa America and World Cup.
Who will replace Messi in Argentina?
Nobody can replace Messi in Argentina. That’s not possible! Not at least in the next 20-30 years, for sure. Di Maria retired a couple of years ago, and they have yet to find a replacement. Meanwhile, Leo Messi is a generational talent, and we don’t think he can ever be replaced. Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono are the possible superstars of Argentina. Claudio Echeverri also offers good potential. However, as a captain, Cristian Romero may replace Messi in Argentina. And another question may be asked: who will wear Messi’s number 10 shirt in Argentina? We will also discuss that in another upcoming article and will present the link here.
