Scaloni picks Marcos Senesi to replace Balerdi on Argentina's list

Argentina have a new defensive development: Marcos Senesi has been chosen by Lionel Scaloni to take Leonardo Balerdi's place on the roster heading to the 2026 World Cup. The center-back, recently signed by Tottenham, is back on the Scaloneta's radar at a key moment in the buildup.

Balerdi's absence, after being injured last Saturday, opened up a spot that the coaching staff decided to fill with a familiar name. According to information confirmed in recent hours, Senesi will join the Argentina squad for the World Cup.

Senesi, back in the picture for the Scaloneta

The decision was no small one. In a squad where every slot matters, the coach opted for a defender who offers depth and who also arrives after a major leap in his career: his move to Tottenham, announced on Wednesday.

Balerdi's injury departure left a place that Senesi will fill as the chosen option to strengthen the Albiceleste back line ahead of the big event.

• Marcos Senesi joins Argentina's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
• He arrives to replace Leonardo Balerdi, ruled out through injury.
• His new club is Tottenham.
• The decision was made by Lionel Scaloni.

Another adjustment on the road to the 2026 World Cup

The news feeds directly into the construction of the national team at a stage where every detail counts. Argentina, the reigning world champions after what they achieved in Qatar 2022, are heading toward the next World Cup with attention focused on the core of the team and the names that will accompany its stars.

In that context, Senesi's call-up does not appear as an isolated move, but rather as part of the logic of a squad that can change right up until the last moment because of injuries, form, or tactical needs. The firm fact is that Scaloni has already settled on Balerdi's replacement, and that the Tottenham defender is now in the World Cup picture.

What's next for Argentina

With the roster still under review and the focus on preparation, the national team continues its journey toward the 2026 World Cup with the aim of arriving with the defense as well-oiled as possible. Senesi's presence in the squad adds another option in an area where Scaloni cannot afford to give anything away.

For now, the day's snapshot left one certainty: Senesi is once again pulling on the sky blue and white at a decisive moment on the road to the World Cup.