Scaloni confirms Lautaro Martinez in Argentina captaincy group after Messi retirement

Scaloni confirms Lautaro Martinez in Argentina captaincy group after Messi retirement Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Inter’s Lautaro Martinez will be among the main captaincy options after Lionel Messi’s upcoming international retirement. Scaloni confirms Lautaro Martinez’s place in Argentina’s leadership hierarchy Messi, 39, is set to bid farewell to international football in one last friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental on October 6 (local time) after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, the 2026 final and two Copa America titles over the last 10 years. ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 07: Lionel Messi #10 celebrates with teammates after the 3-2 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also be handing over the captain’s armband, which he has held onto for the last 15 years. Nicolas Otamendi, who was one of Argentina’s regular vice-captains, has also recently announced his international retirement. Scaloni confirmed on Wednesday that Atletico Madrid centre-back Cristian Romero will serve as Messi’s successor as the Argentina national team captain and that Lautaro Martinez will now be among his deputies. “The armband will go to Cuti Romero, who was next in the pecking order after Leo and Otamendi,” Scaloni confirmed (via Gianluca Di Marzio ). “The vice-captain will be Emiliano Martinez, followed by Lautaro Martinez as third choice.” BUENOS AIRES – OCTOBER 15: Lautaro Martinez celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring the team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Bolivia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 15, 2024 in Buenos Aires. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) Martinez has been an Argentina international since 2018 and has already racked up 40 goals from 84 caps. He has also served as Inter’s permanent captain following the retirement of Samir Handanovic in the summer of 2023. Argentina’s previous permanent captain was Javier Mascherano, who had the armband from 2008 until 2011 before the title was handed over to a 24-year-old Messi.