Messi played 207 matches for the Argentina national team, scoring a total of 125 goals during that period.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Argentina’s new captain, Cristian Romero, has disclosed that football icon Lionel Messi chose him as his successor and leader of the South American team.”
He made the revelation recently during an interview with Adidas Football’s communications department.
Messi is expected to make his final international appearance for his country against Benin on October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Speaking about the Inter Miami striker, Romero admitted that he has a rough way of expressing love to people he respects.
He, however, added that he harbours no regrets about his efforts to demonstrate his admiration for the 39-year-old forward.
“He chose me to be captain, and that’s something beautiful. My way of showing love is pretty rough, but I told him I regret not showing him all the love I always had for him,” Romero said.
ALSO READ: Piers Morgan berates Portugal for handing Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 shirt to Leão
Also speaking to the same outlet, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez described Messi as the individual who brought cohesion to the nation.
He maintained that the record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will depart, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.
He said, “Leo did not merely unite the players within the national squad. He unified an entire nation. This constitutes the legacy he bequeaths.”
Martínez added, “I wish this period could have persisted indefinitely. We possess profound affection for him, and that affection shall remain with us throughout our existence. It is remarkable how a single individual can exert such substantial influence and fundamentally transform circumstances.
“He serves as a model for all individuals. He encountered numerous challenging circumstances with the national team, yet he demonstrated unwavering determination. He consistently aspired to advance and achieve victories with Argentina.
“During my period of recuperation from injury, I contemplated my personal circumstances and posed the question to myself: ‘In what manner can I return as my optimal self?’ Leo demonstrated considerable significance for me throughout that period…”
