It was a proud night for Cristian Romero as he led Argentina out for the first time in their 1-0 victory over Chile in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers overnight.
With usual national team skipper Lionel Messi named on the bench, 'Cuti' captained his nation at the Estadio Nacional de Chile in Santiago as Julian Alvarez's neat finish on 16 minutes proved the difference in the early hours of Friday morning.
The centre-back came close to an assist in the first half when Giuliano Simeone latched onto his pinpoint long ball only to fire narrowly over before handing the armband over to Messi when he entered the action on 57 minutes.
Putting in a full shift on his 43rd cap, the 27-year-old played his part in preserving the all-important clean sheet when he headed Lucas Cepeda's goal-bound attempt onto the crossbar just past the hour mark as La Albiceleste secured the three points and top spot in CONMEBOL qualification.
The reigning World Cup winners had already secured their place at next summer's major tournament as they bid to defend the trophy in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Up next for Cuti is a home clash against Colombia in Buenos Aires on 11 June (1am UK).
Elsewhere in CONMEBOL World Cup qualification, Richarlison made his first start for Brazil since 18 October 2023 as Carlo Ancelotti's tenure as head coach started with a goalless draw away to Ecuador on Friday morning.
Having not made a Seleção squad since March 2024 due to a challenging time with injuries, Richy reunited with his former manager during this international break and was selected to lead the line for his nation before being replaced in the 64th minute at the Banco Pichincha Monumental Stadium in Guayaquil.
Sharing the points with second-placed Ecuador, Brazil remain two points behind in fourth in the current standings and are still yet to book their place at the World Cup with a home clash against Paraguay up next at Arena Corinthians on 11 June (1.45am UK).
After a long wait to make his 49th cap last time out, that next fixture could hold extra significance for our number nine who would bring up his half century for Brazil if he were to feature on Wednesday.