Lionel Messi’s teammate sadly ruled out of World Cup, with a Premier League star ready to step in as replacement
One of Lionel Messi’s teammates from Argentina won’t be able to play in the World Cup just days before it starts, and a Premier League star might take his place.
Argentina will compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the US, Mexico, and Canada. They come in as the defending champions after an exciting penalty shootout win over France in the 2022 final.
Messi will captain the team in his sixth World Cup, with Premier League players like Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Emi Martinez helping the team aim for their fourth title. Other key players include Inter Miami’s Rodrigo De Paul and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
Unfortunately, Marseille’s captain and defender Leonardo Balerdi won’t be joining the squad due to a muscle injury in his right leg. Argentina shared the news on social media, saying: “Defender Leonardo Balerdi has a muscle injury and won’t be part of the World Cup squad. Stay strong and get well soon, skinny!” Balerdi played seven games in the qualifiers and has 11 caps overall.
Now, head coach Lionel Scaloni needs to pick a replacement. Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi is likely to join the team, with other options including Agustin Giay, Nicolas Capaldo, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Kevin Mac Allister, and several others. Senesi is also expected to move to Spurs on a free transfer this summer.
Here’s a quick look at the squad:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Valentin Barco
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Jose Manuel Lopez
The team is ready to go, and fans are excited to see what Messi and his teammates can do in the big tournament!