Romero discussed the future of the national team, Messi’s legacy and his own ambitions during an interview with Los Edul. Now captain of the Albiceleste, the defender was asked who should take responsibility for the shirt that has become synonymous with Messi.
His first preference was that the number should be retired, sparing another player the burden of following one of the greatest footballers in history. But recognising that this was unlikely, Romero identified Álvarez as his choice.
“I would give it to Julián. He has humility, he is family-oriented, he is a good guy and he has the ability. Those are important qualities for wearing the No.10,” Romero said.
The defender acknowledged that Álvarez has previously indicated he would prefer to keep the number he has worn in recent years. Nevertheless, Romero believes his Atlético team-mate possesses the character and footballing qualities to take on the responsibility.
Romero was equally emphatic when discussing Messi himself, arguing that the forward’s influence cannot be replicated.
“There will never be another Leo, either as captain or as the No.10,” he said.
“We don’t have a Leo, but we have a family.”
That sense of togetherness, Romero suggested, will be crucial as Argentina move into a new era. Messi’s departure leaves a significant leadership void, but the defender believes the group can continue to compete by relying on the collective spirit developed during its most successful recent period.
Romero also challenged the way the Ballon d’Or is judged, suggesting that marketing and the profile of individual competitions have become too influential.
“Today, the Ballon d’Or is a bit of marketing. I haven’t seen anyone do what Leo did,” he said.
Asked who he would vote for, Romero did not hesitate.
“Messi. Even if he isn’t eligible, I would give it to Messi.”
The Argentina captain also highlighted Como midfielder Nico Paz as another player with considerable potential. Romero said he had already recognised the youngster’s qualities while sharing international camps with him.
“He has enormous ability. It will depend on him how far he goes, but the qualities are there. He is a very complete player,” Romero said.
The interview also addressed Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup final. Romero rejected suggestions that there had been anything sinister about the outcome, while acknowledging that Argentina struggled physically during the tournament.
“Nothing happened in the final. Social media means someone can post something and it goes viral. Spain did things well; we arrived just about hanging on physically. I don’t know whether to call it a miracle, but the physical side made the whole World Cup difficult for us. Several of us were struggling, including me,” he said.
Romero revealed that he played the final with an injury to his Achilles tendon, while other members of the squad were also carrying physical problems. He refused to use those difficulties as an excuse, however, and accepted that Spain had deserved its victory.
“I don’t regret anything. I gave everything I had to contribute my part to the group,” he said.
At club level, Romero is also intent on making his mark at Atlético Madrid. Having joined Diego Simeone’s side, he believes winning trophies is the best way to establish a lasting legacy.
“The only way to have my name written into this club’s history is by winning something,” he said.
Despite his ambitions in Spain, Romero has not forgotten where his career began. The defender retains a desire to return to Belgrano one day, insisting he would only do so when he could give everything to the club.
“If I return, I will return at 100 per cent,” he promised.
Romero’s comments underline the scale of the transition facing Argentina, but also his confidence in the squad’s ability to move forward. For him, Álvarez may be the natural candidate for Messi’s shirt, yet the larger challenge is maintaining the unity that has defined the national team’s recent success.