Another setback for Argentina as star player ruled out of World Cup
Marseille defender Balerdi will miss the tournament with a muscle injury.
Setbacks continue for the Argentina national team as it prepares for the World Cup. Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi has suffered a calf injury in his right leg and will be unable to take part in the tournament.
Balerdi sustained the injury during Friday’s training session. Subsequent tests confirmed that he will not recover in time for the World Cup, forcing head coach Lionel Scaloni to select a replacement from the preliminary squad Argentina submitted to FIFA.
The leading candidate to replace Balerdi is Marcos Senesi, who enjoyed an outstanding season with Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola. Senesi’s omission from the final 26-man squad came as a surprise, and Balerdi’s misfortune could now open the door for his inclusion.
The other centre-backs on Argentina’s preliminary list are Lucas Martínez-Quarta (River Plate), Germán Pezzella (River Plate) and Luciano Di Lollo (Boca Juniors). Argentina has until Monday the 15th to notify FIFA of a replacement, one day before its World Cup opener against Algeria.
Balerdi’s injury is the latest fitness concern for Scaloni, with Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leandro Paredes, Nico Paz, Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez also dealing with physical issues.
The situation recalls the days leading up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Joaquín Correa and Nico González were ruled out and replaced by Ángel Correa and Thiago Almada.
#SelecciónMayor El defensor Leonardo Balerdi sufrió una lesión muscular en el sóleo de su pierna derecha y no podrá ser parte de la nómina que jugará la Copa del Mundo.
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 6, 2026
¡Ánimo, fuerza y pronta recuperación, flaco! 💪🏼🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/gMZAiS2b2k
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment