Argentina Restructures Team Leadership After Messi Exit

Argentina is preparing for a new leadership structure under head coach Lionel Scaloni following Lionel Messi's departure from the national team. According to a report published by Bolavip on October 10, 2026, Cristian Romero, Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are set to form the team's central leadership group as Argentina begins preparing for the 2030 World Cup. The proposed structure distributes responsibility across three groups: the main captains, experienced veterans and a younger generation expected to take on greater leadership duties.

Scaloni's challenge will be to coordinate these players within a squad accustomed to competing for major international titles. Romero, Martinez and Martinez are identified as the three central figures in the new arrangement. Nicolas Tagliafico is not included in this group, with the report pointing to his age by the next World Cup as a possible factor in the decision.

Romero has established himself as a prominent defensive leader at Tottenham, where he has taken on responsibilities during difficult periods for the English club. Emiliano Martinez, meanwhile, is expected to continue providing authority in goal for Argentina, while his reported move to Chelsea would bring new responsibilities at club level.

Lautaro Martinez completes the trio as Inter Milan's captain and a leading figure in Argentina's attack. The report also identifies him as the holder of Argentina's iconic No. 10 shirt and says Inter considers him unavailable for transfer amid interest from Barcelona. Behind the three central leaders, Argentina's experienced players are expected to retain important roles. Tagliafico has confirmed that he intends to continue representing the national team, while Leandro Paredes remains part of Scaloni's plans once he completes his suspension and recovers his fitness, according to the report.

Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are also included among the established players expected to guide younger teammates. Their experience includes Argentina's Copa America and World Cup triumphs, giving them a continuing role in the squad's transition. The next group consists of players whose international experience has grown since their emergence as prospects. Julian Alvarez is expected to carry greater responsibility after developing into an established player, while Lisandro Martinez is positioned to become a more prominent defensive figure following Nicolas Otamendi's departure from the national team.

Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister are also expected to assume greater leadership responsibilities in midfield. Their accumulated experience with Argentina is expected to make them important figures by the next World Cup. Thiago Almada remains another potential contributor to the transition. According to Bolavip, he is expected to return to a key role after completing his suspension, adding another option as Scaloni reshapes the team's leadership group.