Cuti Romero would give Argentina’s No. 10 shirt to Julián Alvarez

“I would give Argentina’s No. 10 to Julián Alvarez,” Cuti Romero said, naming the Atlético de Madrid forward as his choice to wear the national team’s iconic shirt. Now captain of the Albiceleste following Messi’s retirement, the defender believes Alvarez has the profile to take on that responsibility.

Asked about succeeding Messi, Romero pointed to his teammate’s character and ability: “I’d give it to Julián. He’s humble, close to his family, a good kid and he has the qualities. Those are important things for wearing the 10.” He acknowledged, however, that Alvarez has always expressed a wish to keep the number he has worn in recent years.

Romero also stressed that no player could truly take Messi’s place. “There won’t be another Leo, either as captain or as number 10,” he said. He summed up the spirit of the group this way: “We don’t have a Leo, but we have a family.” He also said Messi had chosen him to captain Argentina.

Asked for his view of the Ballon d’Or, Romero said the award was now “a bit of marketing”, adding: “What Leo did, I haven’t seen from anyone.” Asked who he would vote for this year, he answered without hesitation: “Messi. Even if it’s not possible, I give it to Messi.”

In an interview with Los Edul, the defender also discussed his club ambitions. He said he dreams of winning a trophy with Atlético and sees a title as the best way to leave his mark at the club. He described the group as healthy and grounded, and said winning a competition is a shared objective in the dressing room. He is trying to pass on the idea of giving everything in every match, with the hope of lifting a trophy at the end of the season.

Romero also spoke about the atmosphere around the team and Argentina’s World Cup campaign. Speaking about the final against Spain, he said nothing had happened there and judged that his side had struggled physically throughout the competition, himself included. He added that he had no regrets about his contribution, after recalling that a knee injury had nearly ruled him out of the World Cup.