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11 June 2026

Due to the muscle tear suffered by Leonardo Balerdi, which ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has made an urgent decision to call up former San Lorenzo centre-back Marcos Senesi to complete the Albiceleste’s final squad.

The Argentina National Team faced a major blow just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Once Balerdi’s serious injury was confirmed, Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff, after several days of evaluation, officially announced Marcos Senesi’s inclusion as his replacement in central defence.

The situation worsened for the national side last weekend when Balerdi, who had been growing in importance in Scaloni’s tactical plans, felt sharp pain during a morning training session. Medical tests later confirmed the worst outcome — a tear in the soleus muscle of his right leg.

As a result, Leonardo Balerdi has been withdrawn from Argentina’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

With a projected recovery period of around 21 days, the Boca Juniors youth product would have missed the entire group stage of the tournament. Under FIFA regulations, which permit squad changes due to serious injuries up to 24 hours before a team’s opening match, the national team was compelled to make a swift replacement.

“Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury to the soleus of his right leg and will not be part of the squad that will play in the World Cup,” read the official medical statement released by the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

Needing a fully fit centre-back for the opening fixture, Scaloni reviewed his reserve options and ultimately decided on Senesi. The AFA confirmed the change through its official channels: “Defender Marcos Senesi joins the squad of players who will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

The Argentina National Team is scheduled to make its tournament debut on Tuesday, June 16.

With this adjustment, Marcos Senesi has joined the Albiceleste camp to strengthen the defensive line. Although the team regrets losing a valued teammate, the squad remains focused on final preparations to overcome this setback and begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in the strongest possible manner.