Scaloni to Find Replacement for Injured Leonardo Balerdi Ahead of World Cup
Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have faced a setback as defender Leonardo Balerdi is officially out of the squad. According to the Asociación de Fútbol Argentino (AFA), Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg during Friday’s training, forcing coach Lionel Scaloni to select a replacement from a 55-man pre-list.
Why is Leonardo Balerdi leaving the Argentina squad?
The 27-year-old defender suffered a muscle injury in his right leg’s soleus during a training session on Friday. AFA confirmed the news via social media, stating that the player will not be part of the roster for the World Cup.
The official statement offered support to the player, wishing him strength and a speedy recovery. This injury leaves a vacant spot in the defensive line that Lionel Scaloni must now fill immediately.
Who could replace Balerdi in the World Cup roster?
Lionel Scaloni has a wide array of options from a pre-list of 55 players. Potential candidates include Lucas Martinez Quarta, Marcos Senesi, Germán Pezzella, Lautaro Di Lollo, Zaid Romero, Marcos Acuña, and Kevin Mac Allister.
Other names like Nicolás Capaldo and Agustín Giay, who were called up for friendlies, are also possibilities. The coaching staff may lean toward players who are already familiar with the current cycle.
Public opinion is leaning heavily toward one name. A WhatsApp poll by Bolavip showed that a vast majority of voters prefer Marcos Senesi, the former San Lorenzo player, to take the spot. Marcos Acuña was the second most voted option after having been surprisingly left out of the final cut.
When and where does Argentina play in the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina’s group stage matches are scheduled for June in the United States. The team will open against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, at 22:00 (Argentina time) at the Kansas City Stadium.
The second match is against Austria on Monday, June 22, at 14:00 (Argentina time) at the Dallas Stadium. They will conclude this stage against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, at 23:00 (Argentina time), also at the Dallas Stadium.
Current Argentina Squad List
- Juan Musso
- Nicolás Tagliafico
- Gonzalo Montiel
- Leandro Paredes
- Lisandro Martínez
- Rodrigo De Paul
- Valentín Barco
- Julián Álvarez
- Lionel Messi
- Giovani Lo Celso
- Gerónimo Rulli
- Cristian Romero
- Exequiel Palacios
- Nicolás González
- Thiago Almada
- Giuliano Simeone
- Nicolás Paz
- Nicolás Otamendi
- Alexis Mac Allister
- José López
- Lautaro Martínez
- Emiliano Martínez
- Enzo Fernández
- Facundo Medina
- Nahuel Molina
What happens next for the squad?
Lionel Scaloni is likely to announce the replacement shortly. He may choose a player based on recent form, such as Senesi, or opt for a trusted veteran from the pre-list like Pezzella or Martinez Quarta.
The decision could impact the team’s defensive chemistry heading into the June 16 opener. The selected player will need to integrate quickly into the system before the first match in Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Leonardo Balerdi suffer?
He suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg.
Which player do fans want as the replacement?
According to a Bolavip poll, the majority of fans want Marcos Senesi to be the replacement.
Where will Argentina play its World Cup matches?
Argentina will play at the Kansas City Stadium and the Dallas Stadium.
Who do you think is the best tactical fit to replace Balerdi in the defense?