New Era: Argentina Confirm New Captain

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Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the team’s new captain ahead of Lionel Messi’s final game for the national team.

Messi announced earlier this month that he will be retiring from the international game, having enjoyed great success after winning the FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles.

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Scaloni’s men begin their international break against Bolivia on Wednesday, 30 September although Messi’s final game will be against Benin a week later.

The coach has confirmed that Atletico Madrid defender Christian Romero will be wearing the captain’s armband.

“The captain is going to be Cuti,” Scaloni said as per TyC Sports.

“He was already the third captain after Leo and Nicolas Otamendi.”

“There is Emiliano [Martinez], who can also wear the armband. Rodrigo [De Paul], who will not be in these two games, can also wear it. Lautaro [Martinez] can wear it. Cuti is the right one.”

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Scaloni also confirmed that Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will only feature in the final friendly.

“We want to see other guys, just like what happened with Fideo (Angel Di Maria).

“It’s the same with them. The doors aren’t closed, but we believe these games are an opportunity for the younger players to show what they can bring.

“They’re players who have given us so much. For now, they’re not involved, and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

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