Marcos Senesi Steps in for Injured Leonardo Balerdi in Argentina's World Cup Squad

In a significant update for Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, defender Marcos Senesi has been called up to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi. The Argentine Football Association confirmed this change as Balerdi's calf injury prevents him from participating. Senesi, who has a notable history with Bournemouth and is set to join Tottenham Hotspur, has already made three appearances for the national team. Argentina's World Cup journey begins against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan. The full squad includes star players like Lionel Messi and several promising talents.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 06:01 IST

Senesi Joins Argentina's World Cup Roster

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on Thursday that defender Marcos Senesi will replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Due to a calf injury, Balerdi has been excluded from the defending champions' 26-player squad for the prestigious tournament.

Senesi, who is 29 years old, previously played for Premier League club Bournemouth from 2022 to 2026 and is set to join Tottenham Hotspur. He has represented Argentina three times.

His performance was instrumental in Bournemouth achieving a sixth-place finish in the recent Premier League season, which secured the club's first-ever qualification for the UEFA Europa League, marking their debut in European competition.

Argentina will kick off their World Cup journey against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J.

Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad

- **Goalkeepers**: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico de Madrid).

- **Defenders**: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico de Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Otamendi (SL Benfica), Marcos Senesi (Tottenham Hotspur), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais).

- **Midfielders**: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentin Barco (RC Strasbourg).

- **Forwards**: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atletico de Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico de Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Internazionale), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico de Madrid).