Argentina ruled Leonardo Balerdi out of its World Cup squad on Saturday after the defender suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg. The setback has pushed Marcos Senesi into late-call-up territory, with Lionel Scaloni now facing a last-minute decision at the back.
The injury matters because Argentina were already weighing up changes to a squad that needs defensive cover, and Senesi is one of the names suddenly back in play. Argentina reported that he is among the options to replace Balerdi, alongside Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Capaldo, Agustin Giay, Kevin Mac Allister and Martinez Quarta, while German Pezzella is also being considered.
Senesi’s case is the one drawing the most attention because he was initially left out of Scaloni’s squad before Balerdi’s injury changed the picture. He was, however, part of Argentina’s group for the March international fixtures, which leaves him familiar enough with the set-up to slot back in if Scaloni chooses him.
That possibility comes with a club complication. Tottenham have been in pole position to sign Senesi as a free agent since April, and he is set to leave Bournemouth and officially join Tottenham on July 1. If Argentina add him to the World Cup list and go deep into the tournament, his start to pre-season for the 2026/27 campaign could be pushed back by several weeks after the World Cup final on July 19, 2026.
There is also a footballing reason Senesi remains in the conversation. Martinez Quarta and Senesi are the only natural centre-backs among the replacement options being discussed, and Argentina already have Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi and Facundo Medina in the squad. That leaves Scaloni balancing experience, form and timing as he decides who fills Balerdi’s place. For Senesi, the next step is clear: wait for the call, then see whether a late injury opens the door to the World Cup after all.
