Argentina Adjusts Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina's Last-Minute Squad Change
New York: A recent adjustment has been made to Argentina's roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The reigning champions have included defender Marcos Senesi in place of the injured Leonardo Balerdi.
Balerdi, a centre-back for Marseille, was preparing for his inaugural World Cup but sustained a right leg injury last week, forcing him to withdraw. Speculation arose regarding his replacement, with some suggesting a midfielder might step in. Ultimately, Senesi was selected.
Senesi is set to join the team ahead of Argentina's opening match against Algeria on June 15. He had an impressive season with Bournemouth in the English Premier League, playing a crucial role in the club's historic qualification for European competitions. Interestingly, despite this achievement, Senesi declined a new contract offer from Bournemouth.
He has expressed interest in a free transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, a club that narrowly escaped relegation last season. The 29-year-old defender has made three appearances for the Argentina senior national team to date.
Here’s a breakdown of the complete Argentina squad:
Argentina Squad Overview
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (S.L. Benfica), Marcos Senesi (Tottenham Hotspur), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentín Barco (RC Strasbourg)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atlético de Madrid), Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid).