Argentina Calls Up Marcos Senesi for World Cup as Balerdi’s Replacement
In a significant move ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Football Association of Argentina (AFA) announced on Thursday that defender Marcos Senesi has been enlisted into the national squad. He steps in to replace Leonardo Balerdi, who sustained a right calf injury, thereby sidelining him from participation in the tournament.
Balerdi’s Injury and Senesi’s Rise
Leonardo Balerdi, who plays for Marseille, was omitted from Argentina’s 26-man squad on Saturday due to his injury. The AFA confirmed the change via a post on social media platform X, announcing the inclusion of Senesi, who has previously earned three caps for the national team.
Senesi’s Recent Career Developments
The 29-year-old Senesi recently joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur after concluding his contract with Bournemouth. During his time at Bournemouth, he exhibited notable consistency, appearing in all but one Premier League match. His contributions were crucial in helping the club secure European qualification for the first time, as they completed the season in sixth place.
Upcoming World Cup Matches for Argentina
As the defending champions, Argentina is set to commence their Group J campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan. The team is squarely focused on the task at hand as they aim to defend their title on the world stage.
