Marcos Senesi Replaces Injured Balerdi in Argentina's 2026 World Cup Squad
Argentina called up Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, 29, to replace injured Leonardo Balerdi in their 2026 World Cup squad. Senesi, who recently signed with Tottenham, received the call while vacationing in Ibiza and endured a chaotic journey to Kansas City, including a grounded plane and lost luggage. He joins Lionel Messi’s squad in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, with their opener against Algeria on June 17.
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2026 World Cup: Marcos Senesi's Nightmare Journey to Join Argentina
Marcos Senesi, a 29-year-old defender recently signed by Tottenham, was urgently called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While vacationing in Ibiza, Senesi had to hastily travel to the United States via Frankfurt and Chicago to reach the team's base camp in Kansas City. His troubles multiplied when the plane meant to take him to Kansas City was grounded due to technical problems after passengers had already boarded, forcing him to disembark and wait for hours. He eventually arrived at the Argentine camp two hours late. Adding to his ordeal, Senesi discovered upon arrival that his suitcase had been lost. Despite these mishaps, he managed to join the group and participate in his first training session with La Albiceleste before their opening match against Algeria on June 17.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSenesi Joins Argentina World Cup Squad After Last-Minute Call-Up
Argentine defender Marcos Senesi arrived in Kansas City early Saturday to join the national team for the World Cup, replacing the injured Leonardo Balerdi. Senesi, who had been training intensively despite initially missing the 26-man roster, received a last-minute call from coach Lionel Scaloni. He traveled from Ibiza via Frankfurt and Chicago to reach the team base. The 29-year-old left-footed center-back, who recently debuted for Tottenham, expressed joy and humility, saying he had been preparing with World Cup expectations until the final moment. His versatility to cover left-back is considered valuable given Tagliafico's muscle injury. Senesi will wear the number 2 jersey for Argentina at the tournament.
虎扑 - 足球Argentina World Cup Squad Decision Dashes HSV Star Capaldo's Hopes
The Argentine Football Association announced late Thursday that Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi (29) will replace the injured Leo Balerdi (27) in Argentina's World Cup squad, ending the World Cup dream of HSV star Nicolas Capaldo (27). Capaldo, who made his international debut in a 2-0 win against Honduras, was considered a strong candidate for the vacant spot due to his defensive versatility and injuries to right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel. However, both Molina and Montiel recovered in time, and Capaldo's competitor Agustín Giay also missed out. Senesi, a center-back who recently signed with Tottenham after strong performances for Bournemouth, received the call from coach Lionel Scaloni while on vacation in Ibiza. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi (38), will play in Group J against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
BILD - Sport2026 World Cup: Marcos Senesi's Joyful Reaction to Argentina Call-Up Captured on Video
Marcos Senesi, a central defender for Bournemouth who recently signed with Tottenham, received a call-up to the Argentina national team for the 2026 World Cup, replacing the injured Leandro Balerdi. While on vacation in Ibiza with his partner, Kelci-Rose Bowers, Senesi received the call from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. A video posted by Bowers on social media shows Senesi jumping for joy into her arms after the call. Argentina is placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, and will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 17. The article highlights Senesi's pride in representing his country in the tournament.
Home Football - actualitésMarcos Senesi Replaces Injured Leonardo Balerdi in Argentina's World Cup Squad
Argentina has called up newly-signed Tottenham defender Marcos Senesi to replace Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi in their World Cup squad for the tournament running from June 11 to July 19. Balerdi withdrew after suffering a calf injury on Friday. Senesi, 29, joins the squad after a full season with Bournemouth where he played 37 of 38 Premier League matches, all as a starter. He has limited international experience with only three caps for Argentina, having first been called up in 2022 and earning his first start in October 2025. Senesi was part of Lionel Scaloni's 55-man preliminary squad and will now participate in the World Cup.
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