Senesi Joins Argentina WC Squad as Balerdi Replacement

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) made a last-minute change to the 2026 World Cup squad. Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi, who was on the 26-man final roster of the reigning World Cup champions, will not be able to participate in the tournament due to a muscle injury in his right calf (soleus). In his place, Marcos Senesi, who recently transferred to Tottenham, has been called up. The news was announced from AFA's official social media account.

The 29-year-old Senesi completed his last season at Bournemouth and led the team to 6th place in the Premier League, carrying the club to European competitions for the first time. After his contract with the English team expired, Senesi joined Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer. The defender, preparing for the new season under Roberto De Zerbi's management, is currently on his way to join Argentina's World Cup base in Kansas City.

Senesi's Argentina national team history is limited. The defender was first called up to the national team before the 2022 Finalissima; he was also on Italy's call-up list during the same period. The player of Italian descent made his national team decision in favour of Albiceleste. Since that date, he has played three official international matches, but none were competitive fixtures. The 2026 World Cup may perhaps be Senesi's biggest test of his career.

In Lionel Scaloni's statement on Tuesday, he had asked for a little more time for his decision. The approach the head coach expressed after the warm-up match against Iceland was concluded; the Senesi choice became clear. Argentina will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J. La Albiceleste's tournament opening match will be played against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16.

Image: www.lequipe.fr