The victory of Atlético de Madrid against Real Madrid not only allowed the team led by Diego Simeone to climb to second place in LaLiga, but it also brought forth statements from Cristian Romero about a special moment for Argentine football. After the derby played at the Metropolitano, the defender spoke about Lionel Messi and referred to the upcoming farewell of the captain of the Argentine National Team.
In an interview with ESPN, Cuti particularly highlighted the bond he built with the Rosario player since his arrival in the Albiceleste and emphasized both his footballing and personal qualities. The defender began by stating that Messi "is a great person" and maintained that he possesses "a humility that very few players have", something that, he believed, gains even more value given all that he has achieved throughout his career.
Romero also recalled the support he received from the captain during his early days in the national team. In this regard, he explained: "He has always been an incredible person with me since the first day I joined the national team, he helped me a lot to adapt. When I arrived in the national team, we had not yet achieved everything we have achieved and he always helped the younger ones to settle in the best way".
The Atlético de Madrid defender also reflected on what it meant for him to share so many moments with his childhood idol. "He has been my idol since I was very young, I saw him suffer with the National Team, I saw him win everything at the club level and after having shared the National Team with him, having achieved so many things, having shared so many mates, so many training camps, so many tricks… the truth is he is the greatest of all time", he stated.
The conversation also turned to Messi's farewell from the national team, which will take place during the next FIFA date against Benin. "It will be a nice farewell for him. The truth is it surprised me that he is saying goodbye because I see him doing very well, after the World Cup he had, he was very eager to continue with the national team but nothing, what matters is that he is well, that he enjoys that, that he and his family are well. So nothing, we will be there to support him", he affirmed.
Cuti wants Messi to win the Ballon d'Or 2026
Cuti's admiration did not remain solely on a personal level. When asked about the possibility of Messi winning the Ballon d'Or again, the center-back was emphatic and supported his candidacy for the 2026 edition. "Of course, of course yes, there is no one like him, I keep saying it. Surely when he decides not to play anymore, then we will have to see who to give it to", he stated.
