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Marcos Senesi Replaces Leonardo Balerdi in Argentina’s 26‑Player World Cup Squad

Scaloni added a left‑footed centre‑back to protect the left side of the defence after Balerdi’s confirmed soleus injury and doubts over Nicolás Tagliafico’s fitness.

Overview

  • Argentina officially named Marcos Senesi to the 26‑player roster as Leonardo Balerdi’s replacement, a move announced by the AFA on Thursday, June 11.
  • Medical tests confirmed Balerdi is out of the tournament with a muscular injury to the soleus in his right leg, making a late roster change necessary.
  • Nicolás Tagliafico is carrying a soleus overload and is doubtful for the opener against Algeria, while goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez had favorable tests and is expected to resume training.
  • Coach Lionel Scaloni considered calling a midfielder such as Guido Rodríguez but opted for a defender to retain a left‑side defensive option given Tagliafico’s uncertainty and the squad’s positional needs.
  • Senesi arrives to the squad fresh from a move to Tottenham and brings Premier League experience as a left‑footed centre‑back, which gives Argentina immediate defensive depth and preserves tactical flexibility for the group stage.