Argentina Defender Balerdi Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup Due to Injury
Leonardo Balerdi, a 27-year-old Olympique de Marseille defender, has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a right calf muscle injury during Argentina’s final training session in Texas. The Argentine Football Association confirmed the withdrawal, noting a recovery time of 2–3 weeks, which prevents him from regaining match fitness in time. Balerdi, who had 11 caps and was set for his first World Cup, leaves a gap in the defending champions’ squad ahead of their June 17 opener against Algeria.
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Argentina Team Shows Support for Injured Leonardo Balerdi Ahead of World Cup Opener
Hours before Argentina's opening World Cup match against Algeria, the entire squad and coaching staff posed for a photo holding a banner reading 'Leo, we are all with you' in support of defender Leonardo Balerdi. Balerdi, who was initially called up for the tournament but withdrew due to a right calf injury in early June, was replaced by Marcos Senesi. The Marseille defender, who would have participated in his first World Cup, shared his emotional reaction on social media, stating that seeing the photo moved him deeply. He also opened up for the first time since his departure, admitting the first few days were very hard after dreaming of being in the United States for the competition. He wished his teammates well and expressed hope for Argentina's success in the tournament.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuArgentina Players Pay Tribute to Injured Leonardo Balerdi Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Leonardo Balerdi, an Argentine defender playing for Olympique de Marseille (OM), suffered a muscle injury to his calf during a training session, forcing him to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup. He was replaced in the squad by Marcos Senesi. In a show of team unity, Balerdi's Argentine teammates posed with a banner bearing his name, expressing support and solidarity after his disappointment. Argentina, the reigning world champions, are set to begin their tournament against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan. The article reports on this emotional moment, highlighting the dressing room's unanimous support for Balerdi.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot Transfert2026 World Cup: Marcos Senesi's Eventful Journey to Join Argentina After Last-Minute Call-Up
Marcos Senesi, the new Tottenham defender, was called up at the last minute to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi on the Argentine national team for the 2026 World Cup. While on vacation in Ibiza, Senesi received the call from coach Lionel Scaloni and immediately traveled to join the squad in Kansas City, USA. His journey was fraught with difficulties: a delayed flight due to technical issues forced him to deplane, causing a two-hour delay, and upon arrival he discovered his suitcase was lost. Despite these setbacks, Senesi completed his first training session with the team on June 13. A staff member picked him up at the airport and is working to recover his luggage. Senesi had been training during his vacation in anticipation of a possible call-up. Argentina, the defending champions, will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16-17.
Home Football - actualitésArgentina calls up Marcos Senesi to replace injured Balerdi for 2026 World Cup
Argentina's national football team has called up defender Marcos Senesi to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi for the 2026 World Cup. Senesi, 29, recently signed with Tottenham after four seasons at Bournemouth, both in the English Premier League. Balerdi, 27, of Marseille, suffered a muscle injury during training last week. Argentina, the reigning world champions, will debut in Group J on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by matches against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27. The article also lists the full 26-man squad, including stars like Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez, and Lautaro Martínez.
RecordScaloni selects Marcos Senesi as Balerdi's replacement in Argentina's World Cup defense
Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has called up defender Marcos Senesi to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Senesi, 29, was signed by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday after a strong season with Bournemouth. Balerdi withdrew due to a muscle injury in his right leg. The Argentine squad now has four natural center-backs: Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, and Senesi. Facundo Medina, who can also play left-back, remains an option. Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan.
FútbolArgentina Calls Up Marcos Senesi to Replace Injured Leonardo Balerdi for 2026 World Cup
The Argentine Football Federation announced on June 11, 2026, that defender Leonardo Balerdi has withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to an injury sustained during a training session. Balerdi, who plays for Olympique de Marseille (OM), will be replaced by Marcos Senesi, a defender who recently transferred to Tottenham Hotspur. The announcement was made via the national team's official social media. Argentina, the reigning world champions, are set to begin their World Cup campaign with a match against Algeria, followed by group stage games against Austria and Jordan. The article provides a brief update on the squad change ahead of the tournament.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertArgentina: OM Medical Staff Blamed for Balerdi's World Cup Exit
Olympique de Marseille (OM) defender Leo Balerdi has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a calf muscle injury during training with the Argentine national team. The Argentine federation confirmed the injury on Saturday. However, a report from French daily La Provence on Sunday alleges that OM's medical staff bears responsibility for the injury. According to the report, the club's medical team poorly assessed Balerdi's healing times, forcing him to prolong his discomfort. Furthermore, an early return to play led to relapses, including one that caused him to miss Argentina's last rally in March. The article highlights growing criticism of OM's medical management regarding the player's fitness.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertArgentina and OM Defender Leo Balerdi Out of World Cup After Training Injury
Argentine and Olympique de Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a muscle injury to his right calf during training with the Argentina national team. The injury was revealed on Saturday morning and quickly confirmed by Argentina's official social media accounts. According to ESPN, Balerdi was deeply distressed and inconsolable upon learning the news, collapsing emotionally as he left his teammates to return to Buenos Aires. The setback adds to what has been described as a nearly chaotic season for the OM central defender, who has faced difficulties both at club level and now with this international disappointment. The article highlights the psychological toll of the injury on the player.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertArgentina Coach Scaloni Raises Concerns Over Balerdi's World Cup Replacement
Argentina's national team has officially confirmed the withdrawal of defender Leonardo Balerdi from the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, just days before the tournament begins. Balerdi, who plays for Olympique de Marseille (OM), has had a difficult season marked by inconsistent performances, losing the captain's armband, and an uncertain future at the club. Coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the setback in an interview with TyC Sports, stating, 'I don't want to alarm anyone, but we are not 100% with many players and this decision perhaps does not depend only on a central defender.' This comment suggests the coaching staff may consider a different profile of player to replace Balerdi, raising concerns about the team's overall fitness and readiness for the competition.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertArgentina defender Leonardo Balerdi out of World Cup due to calf injury
Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to a right calf injury, as announced by the team ahead of a scheduled friendly match against Honduras in College Station, Texas. The injury prevents Balerdi from participating in the summer tournament, dealing a blow to Argentina's defensive options. The announcement was made on June 7, 2026, just before the exhibition game. Balerdi's absence will require Argentina to adjust their squad for the World Cup campaign.
Yardbarker: SoccerLeonardo Balerdi's Endless Season: World Cup Forfeit and Marseille Struggles
Leonardo Balerdi, Olympique de Marseille defender, has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup with Argentina after suffering a right calf injury in training. The 27-year-old's season has been marked by disappointing performances, loss of the captain's armband to Pierre-Emile Højbjerg following Habib Beye's appointment, and a missed penalty in the Coupe de France quarterfinal against Toulouse. Despite playing 36 matches across all competitions, Balerdi faced criticism for individual errors and inconsistency. Marseille and the player have mutually agreed to part ways in the summer transfer window, ending his tenure after 200 appearances for the club since his initial loan in 2020.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertBalerdi Injured, Misses Argentina's 2026 World Cup Squad
The Argentina national team announced on June 6, 2026, that defender Leonardo Balerdi will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a muscle injury in his right leg. The 27-year-old Marseille player, who would have made his major tournament debut for the Albiceleste, suffered the injury in the sole of his right leg. Argentina's official social media account posted a message of support: 'Cheer up, strength and quick recovery.' The team has not yet named a replacement. Argentina, the defending champions, are in Group J and will begin their campaign on June 17 against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by matches against Austria (June 22) and Jordan (June 28).
RecordArgentina Defender Balerdi Ruled Out of World Cup Due to Injury
Leonardo Balerdi, central defender for Olympique de Marseille and the Argentine national team, has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup after suffering a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg during a training session at Ellis Field in College Station, Texas. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed the setback, noting Balerdi had been experiencing muscle discomfort in recent games and suffered a relapse. His replacement will be announced after this weekend's friendly match against Honduras in Texas. The coaching staff, led by Lionel Scaloni, will select from a pre-list of 55 players, with potential replacements including Marcos Senesi, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Germán Pezzella, Zaid Romero, and Lautaro Di Lollo. Argentina, the current world champion, also has other players training separately, including Nahuel Molina Lucero, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Paz, and recovering stars Emiliano Martínez, Lionel Messi, and Julián Álvarez. The team will play a final friendly against Iceland before their World Cup debut on July 16 against Algeria in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan.
FútbolArgentina defender Leonardo Balerdi out of 2026 World Cup with calf injury
Argentina and Olympique de Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a right calf muscle injury during the Albiceleste's final training session before a friendly against Honduras. Initial reports suggested a recovery period of two to three weeks, but Argentina's coaching staff, led by Lionel Scaloni, decided not to take any risks and will replace him. Balerdi, who has 11 caps, will miss the tournament entirely. His replacement will be selected from the 55-player preliminary squad. Argentina's first match is against Algeria on June 17. The article also includes a brief update from Scaloni stating that Lionel Messi is recovering well.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu2026 World Cup: Leonardo Balerdi Withdraws Due to Calf Injury
Leonardo Balerdi, a 27-year-old defender for Olympique de Marseille and regular starter for Argentina, has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a calf injury sustained during a training session in Texas. The injury occurred on the eve of Argentina's final preparation match against Honduras. The Argentine Football Association confirmed the news on social media, stating Balerdi injured the calf of his right leg and will not be able to participate in the tournament. This was set to be Balerdi's first World Cup appearance, having been a regular in the national team for the past two years. The withdrawal is a significant blow for both the player and the defending champions.
Home Football - actualitésLeonardo Balerdi Withdraws from 2026 World Cup Due to Calf Injury
Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a right calf muscle injury during a training session. The Argentine Football Association confirmed the news via its official X account. Balerdi, who has 11 caps for the Albiceleste, was injured in the sole of his leg and cannot be part of the squad for the tournament. Although the injury is not considered serious, his recovery time is estimated at 2 to 3 weeks, meaning he could only potentially return for the third group match against Jordan on June 28. The medical staff determined that this timeline was too short for him to regain match fitness and be competitive for the remainder of the World Cup. This is a significant blow for Argentina as they prepare for the tournament.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertArgentina Defender Balerdi to Miss First Two World Cup Games Due to Muscle Injury
Argentina national team defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a minor muscle strain during Friday's training session at Ellis Stadium, as reported by Argentine media outlet Ole. Imaging results confirmed the injury, which will sideline him for at least 15 days, causing him to miss the first two matches of the World Cup. The Marseille center-back, who is highly valued by the coaching staff for his ability to play both central defense and midfield, had an excellent 2025-26 season with 36 European appearances and 3 caps for Argentina. The coaching staff must now decide whether to exclude him from the squad or wait for recovery. Balerdi had previously missed friendlies due to a head knock in February and a muscle injury in late March.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: Leonardo Balerdi Seriously Injured, May Miss Tournament with Argentina
Leonardo Balerdi, the Olympique de Marseille defender selected for his first World Cup with Argentina, may miss the 2026 tournament due to a serious leg injury sustained during training in Texas. According to Argentine journalist Nachado Rivarola, Balerdi suffered the injury on the eve of Argentina's final preparation match against Honduras. Rivarola reported that the injury requires at least a month of convalescence, which would rule Balerdi out of the World Cup starting June 11. The Argentine federation has not yet confirmed or denied the report. For the 27-year-old defender, who did not participate in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, this would be a devastating blow as he was set to debut on the biggest international stage.
Home Football - actualitésArgentine Press Reports Leonardo Balerdi Likely to Withdraw from 2026 World Cup Due to Injury
According to multiple Argentine media reports, Olympique de Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi has suffered a serious injury during Argentina's final training session before a friendly match against Honduras. The 27-year-old, who was called up for his first World Cup in the United States, is reportedly facing an unavailability of at least one month, which would completely rule him out of the 2026 World Cup. Balerdi is said to have left training in tears, aware that his World Cup dream may be over. The injury is a major blow for both the player and the Argentine national team, which begins its World Cup campaign on June 17 against Algeria. Replacement options are already being discussed by the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni.
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