Cristian “Cuti” Romero has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi, insisting Argentina will never have another player like their legendary captain.
Speaking about Messi’s influence on the national team, Romero said:
We are never going to have another player like Leo Messi. He’s the greatest of all time.
The Argentina defender also reflected on watching Messi develop into one of football’s most celebrated players, highlighting the example he has set for generations of Argentine footballers.
We watched him grow up from when we were very young, we saw him, but he always taught us to get back up again. He’s a role model, an example,
Romero added.
Messi’s international career is now entering its final chapter after the 39-year-old announced his retirement from Argentina duty following the 2026 World Cup. He is set to make one final appearance for La Albiceleste in a farewell friendly against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium.
Argentina have also decided not to hand Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt to another player before his farewell match. Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the shirt’s future successor has not yet been decided, meaning the number will remain associated with Messi during the final stage of his international career.
Softfootball understands that Messi’s farewell will mark the beginning of a new era for Argentina, with Romero among the players expected to take on greater leadership responsibilities.
For Romero, however, Messi’s influence will remain far beyond his final game. His words underline the admiration within the squad for the player who helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.
