Argentina Suffers a Major Blow Ahead of the FIFA World Cup

Injuries continue to affect national teams just weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup. This time, it is Argentina, the reigning world champion, that has received bad news while preparing to defend its title. Leonardo Balerdi suffered a soleus muscle injury and will not recover in time to take part in the tournament.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the Olympique de Marseille defender will be left out of the World Cup squad. So far, no replacement has been announced, but it is a significant setback for both the player and the coaching staff. For Balerdi, it also means missing the chance to play in his first World Cup.

Although he was not an undisputed starter in Lionel Scaloni’s system, the center-back had steadily earned a more prominent role. He featured in several South American World Cup Qualifiers matches, including demanding fixtures against Colombia and Uruguay, and had become a reliable option in the team’s defensive rotation.

Scaloni Considers Defensive Alternatives

What Balerdi brought to the squad is exactly the type of profile that Scaloni values: versatility and composure in possession. The defender is capable of playing in both a back four and a three-center-back formation, while also standing out for his anticipation, ball-carrying ability, and long-range passing. His skill set fit perfectly within a national team that aims to build attacks from the back without sacrificing defensive solidity.

Among the leading candidates to replace him are Germán Pezzella, currently with River Plate, and Marcos Senesi of AFC Bournemouth. Both players are familiar with the national team environment and could integrate quickly into the squad. However, the final decision will depend on Scaloni and the specific needs of the roster.

Pre-World Cup friendlies are often crucial for players like Balerdi, who are looking to earn more minutes and potentially challenge for a place in the starting lineup. Argentina still has several preparation matches scheduled before its tournament opener against Algeria, including fixtures against Honduras and Iceland.

Those matches will provide opportunities for rotation, tactical experimentation, and evaluation of several players. The priority remains arriving at the World Cup with a fully healthy squad, something that has become a major challenge for many national teams. As seen in recent weeks, injuries are becoming increasingly common and can dramatically alter the plans of any title contender.