As Lionel Messi prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina, defender Cristian Romero has opened up about his relationship with the captain, his leadership and the sense of loss already being felt inside the national team.
Messi is scheduled to play his farewell match for Argentina against Benin on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Even before that match, Romero said the team had already begun to feel the absence of its longtime captain.
“The truth is, we already miss him during this international break. Obviously, it was going to happen someday, but I never imagined his absence would be felt this much,” Romero said in an interview with TyC Sports.
Romero also highlighted what he considers one of Messi’s defining qualities as a leader: his refusal to place himself above his teammates.
“He always led in that way. He never put himself ahead of anyone,” Romero said.
The defender recalled a video from Argentina’s victory over England that still brings him to tears. In the footage, the players and supporters celebrate Messi, while the captain gestures toward his teammates.
“I always get emotional when I watch that video from when we beat England, when everyone was applauding him and he pointed toward the team,” Romero said. He added that such gestures were characteristic of Messi and helped shape his view of the forward as “the greatest footballer of all time” as well as “a brilliant person.”
Messi has also played a role in the next chapter of Argentina’s leadership. Romero, who recently became the team’s primary captain, said Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni were involved in the decision to hand him the armband.
“He chose me to be captain of the national team, and for me that is a huge responsibility. The fact that he made that decision together with the coach is something wonderful,” Romero said.
Romero made his first start as Argentina’s new primary captain against Bolivia on Sept. 30, scoring in a 4-0 victory. The match marked the beginning of a new phase for the national team following Messi’s retirement from international football.
The Atlético Madrid defender said his six or seven years alongside Messi in the national team had been a formative experience.
“Over these six or seven years that we spent together, I learned a lot from him,” Romero said.
He also spoke candidly about the friendship they developed away from football.
“I really loved him. I was lucky enough to join the national team and share so many things with him. Thanks to football, we created a beautiful friendship, and that is what makes this difficult for me,” Romero said.
Romero’s biggest regret, he said, is that he did not always express his affection for Messi as openly as he would have liked.
“I regret not having shown him all the love I always felt for him. That is what I will regret,” he said.
With Messi’s international career coming to an end, Romero believes the emotional impact of his departure will be even greater than many people expect.
“He’ll be missed much more than people think. Thank you, captain,” Romero said.
