Romero made his views clear in his first interview with Los Edul since becoming Argentina’s national team captain. He insisted that, given the choice, he would still award the honour to Messi, whom he regards as the greatest footballer of all time.
Messi returned to the Ballon d’Or race after a two-year absence but missed out on the prize, finishing behind the leading contenders, including Kylian Mbappe and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. England captain Harry Kane emerged as the winner, claiming the prestigious award for the first time.
Romero did not hide his frustration with the outcome. He suggested that commercial considerations and social media popularity had become increasingly influential in determining who receives football’s most coveted individual accolade.
“Nowadays, it has become a bit of a marketing strategy. Perhaps it will go to whoever has the most Instagram followers,” Romero said jokingly.
He then explained why he believes Messi remains unmatched, pointing to the Argentine forward’s extraordinary influence on the pitch.
“In the past, you could sit in the stands and watch a match to understand what Leo was doing. There was simply nobody who could be compared with him. That is why he is the greatest of all time,” Romero said.
The defender also challenged the growing perception that winning a major team trophy should automatically make a player the leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
According to Romero, there has been an increasing tendency to associate the award with success in the Champions League or the World Cup. However, he believes individual ability and a player’s overall influence on a match should carry greater weight.
Asked whom he would choose if Messi were not an option, Romero made his preference unmistakably clear: he would still give the award to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, even if the decision were not possible under the circumstances.
Kane’s achievement and the Ballon d’Or debate
Kane’s victory came after an impressive season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker played an important role in the German club’s success, helping them win the Bundesliga and other trophies.
He also continued to contribute to England’s international campaign. His individual performances strengthened his position among the leading candidates before the Ballon d’Or winner was announced, with betting markets also placing him among the favourites.
Although Kane did not win the Champions League or the World Cup, his goal-scoring record and contribution to Bayern’s trophy-winning campaign made him a strong contender.
The result has nevertheless reopened the debate over how the Ballon d’Or should be awarded. While team achievements often shape perceptions of individual excellence, voters must also assess a player’s consistency, technical ability, influence and performances across the season.
Romero’s comments reflect his belief that Messi’s impact goes beyond conventional statistics or the number of trophies won. For the Argentina defender, the forward’s ability to influence games and elevate his team sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Romero backs Alvarez for Argentina’s No 10 shirt
Romero also offered his thoughts on who should inherit Argentina’s iconic No 10 shirt following Messi’s era. His preferred choice is Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid forward who has established himself as an important figure in Argentine football.
Romero admitted that his first preference would be to retire the shirt altogether in recognition of Messi’s extraordinary contribution to the national team.
“Honestly, I would put the shirt away. I would create a mural at the Argentine Football Association’s headquarters, and that would be it. Then nobody would have to take on that responsibility,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that retiring the number might not be a practical option. If the shirt had to be handed to another player, he would choose Alvarez.
Romero praised Alvarez’s character as well as his footballing qualities, describing him as humble, family-oriented and a good person. He also believes the forward possesses the attributes required to carry the responsibility associated with the famous number.
“I think he is the right person for that shirt. We also have many other important players in the squad,” Romero said, adding that he had told Alvarez about his preference on several occasions.
Alvarez, however, prefers to follow his own path rather than become preoccupied with the expectations surrounding Messi’s legacy.
The No 10 shirt carries particular significance in Argentine football, having been worn by some of the country’s most celebrated players. Messi’s achievements have made the prospect of choosing his successor especially sensitive, with any new wearer likely to face considerable public scrutiny.
Romero’s remarks underline the scale of Messi’s influence on Argentina’s current generation. His criticism of the Ballon d’Or process and his endorsement of Alvarez both stem from a broader recognition of the legacy the Argentina captain has established.
For Romero, no individual award can fully capture Messi’s importance to the game. His preference remains clear: Messi would still be his choice for the Ballon d’Or, regardless of the final rankings.
