Soccer-Argentina call up Senesi for World Cup after Balerdi injury


Oct 10, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Argentina defender Marcos Senesi (6) dribbles the ball against Venezuela during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

June 11 (Reuters) - ⁠Defender Marcos Senesi has been ⁠called up to reigning World ‌Cup champions Argentina's squad, replacing the injured Leonardo Balerdi, the country's Football Association (AFA) ​announced on Thursday.

Marseille's Balerdi ⁠was dropped ⁠from Argentina's 26-man squad on Saturday ⁠after suffering ‌a right calf injury.

"Marcos Senesi joins the ⁠Argentina squad for the 2026 FIFA ​World ‌Cup," the AFA posted on ⁠X.

The 29-year-old ​Senesi, who has made three international appearances, has joined Premier ⁠League side Tottenham Hotspur ​following the expiry of his contract with Bournemouth.

Senesi missed only one Premier ⁠League game, helping Bournemouth to secure European qualification for the first time after finishing sixth.

The ​defending champions open ⁠their Group J campaign against Algeria ​on Tuesday before ‌facing Austria and Jordan.

(Reporting ​by Mohamed Yossry in Cairo, editing by Clare Fallon)

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