Could Messi’s quiet humility be his greatest legacy? Argentina star Lionel Messi is set to bow out after a dazzling international run, while teammate Cristian Romero praised a defining trait of his leadership that subtly nods to Cristiano Ronaldo’s own doubts.
Messi’s swan song arrives on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental against Benin. For Romero, the goodbye carries weight beyond the pitch, as the 39‑year‑old helped shape his rise to Argentina’s captaincy.
Romero disclosed that Messi hand‑picked him as the new national captain, a vote of trust that deepens the defender’s sense of duty. The honor arrives as Messi caps a 21‑year saga with the Albiceleste. “He chose me as captain, and that responsibility is massive. Having both him and the coach decide together feels incredible,” he told TyC Sports.
The defender reflected on the lessons learned beside Messi over the years, admitting he’s never been good at expressing affection—a regret he now wishes he could amend.
“I truly admired him, and when I earned my spot I shared countless moments. Football forged a strong bond, and now it’s hard to let go,” the Atletico Madrid centre‑back said.
Romero reveals the Messi quality he admires most.
The most telling part of Romero’s tribute was his description of Messi’s demeanor with the squad. He stressed that the Argentine legend never let fame distance him from teammates, even as he became the team’s focal point.
“We already miss him during this break. It had to happen, but I never imagined his absence would sting so much,” the 28‑year‑old added, recalling Messi’s gesture after the England win, pointing to his peers as the crowd cheered.
Lionel Messi #10 and Cristian Romero #13 celebrate for Argentina.
“He never put himself above anyone. Watching the replay of the England triumph, the stadium roared while he gestured to the team,” Romero said. Those subtle gestures define his greatness; for me, they cement Messi as the sport’s finest both on and off the field.
The focus on Messi’s self‑effacing style gains extra heat amid Ronaldo’s turmoil. Portugal’s captain recently quit the squad after a clash over his role with Jorge Jesus, sparking debate about his treatment by teammates and staff.
Will Messi’s humble legacy inspire future captains to follow suit?
Romero never named Ronaldo, yet the contrast between Messi’s humility and the Portuguese star’s controversy reads like an indirect dig at the Al‑Nassr forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo representing Portugal.
Ronaldo’s position grew murkier after he watched from the bench in a 2‑1 win over Norway and learned Gonçalo Ramos would start against Denmark. He then departed the Portugal camp, leaving his international future uncertain.
The comparison sharpened when the 41‑year‑old reportedly liked a post criticizing how the Selecão treats him versus Argentina’s treatment of Messi. That backdrop adds nuance to Romero’s praise, though he never explicitly named Ronaldo or framed his words as a critique.