Romero says succeeding Messi as Argentina captain is a ‘huge responsibility’

Cristian Romero says taking over as Argentina captain after Lionel Messi’s international retirement will be a “huge responsibility”.

Messi has announced he will retire from international football, with his final appearance for Argentina expected to come against Benin on Tuesday.

“We will miss Messi, Argentina’s true captain, for the rest of our lives,” Romero told TyC. “We will never have another player like Leo. He is the greatest player in history.”

Romero, who plays for Atletico de Madrid, said he had never expected to lead his country but felt ready for the role.

“I never imagined that I would become Argentina captain,” he added. “It is a huge responsibility, but I feel prepared for it.”

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni selected Romero to succeed Messi as captain of the national team.

The defender marked his first match wearing the armband by scoring in a 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium.

The victory was Argentina’s first appearance since their defeat by Bolivia in the World Cup final in July last year. It also extended their strong run of results to 15 wins in their past 16 international matches.

Romero said Messi’s influence would continue to be felt within the squad, describing him as a role model for the entire team.

“Messi was an example to all of us,” he said. “He always taught us how to get back up again.”

The match against Bolivia was the first of two friendlies Argentina will play before turning their attention to the much-anticipated meeting with Benin on 6 October, which will be Messi’s final international appearance.

Scaloni also confirmed before the Bolivia match that Argentina’s number 10 shirt would not be worn by another player until Messi’s farewell game had been completed.

Nico Paz is among those being considered as a leading candidate to succeed Messi as Argentina’s main attacking figure in the future.