I will miss Messi more than I thought: Romero

As Lionel Messi's final match for the Argentina national team approaches, defender Cristian Romero has become emotional. The Argentine footballer has spoken about his relationship with Messi, his leadership and the feeling of losing him, ahead of the departure of his long-time teammate and captain.

Tuesday's friendly against Benin could be Messi's last match for Argentina. His teammates are already feeling his absence. Romero never imagined that the time would be so difficult without Messi.

Romero said, "To be honest, we miss him during this international break. Of course it was bound to happen at some point. But I never thought I would feel his absence so much."

Romero also highlighted Messi's leadership qualities. According to him, Messi never saw himself as separate or superior to the others on the team - 'He has always led like that. He has never put himself ahead of anyone.'

Romero also specifically mentioned a video of the Argentina team celebrating after defeating England. Watching that moment still makes it hard to control his emotions.

"I always get emotional when I watch that video after the England loss. He was pointing at the team while everyone was celebrating around him."

Messi's humble behavior makes him even more special to Romero. He gives Messi the highest respect not only as a footballer, but also as a person. Romero said, 'For me, he is the best footballer of all time. On top of that, he is an extraordinary person.'

Romero was appointed as the new captain of the Argentina team before Messi's departure. He also captained the team for the first time in a friendly match against Bolivia. Romero said that Messi had the support behind him, "He chose me as the captain of the national team. It's a big responsibility for me. He and of course the coach chose me together - it's a wonderful thing."

Romero considers the experience of spending six or seven years with Messi in the national team an important part of his career. He also said that he had the opportunity to learn a lot from Messi during this time, "We were together for the last six or seven years. I learned a lot from him during this time."

Romero also spoke candidly about the friendship he formed with Messi on the national team, a relationship that has become special to him outside of football.

"I really love him. I'm lucky to have been able to share a lot with him by joining the national team. The beautiful friendship we have built because of football is now becoming difficult for me."

However, Romero said that his biggest regret is not being able to express his love for Messi enough. "I really regret not being able to show him more of the love I always felt for him. That would be my biggest regret."

Romero also made it clear how much he will miss Messi after his departure. Finally, he gave an emotional message expressing his gratitude to his captain, saying, "He will be missed more than people think. Thank you, captain."