Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi (calf) out of World Cup

Field Level Media
07 Jun 2026, 06:35 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi will not participate in this summer's World Cup due to a right calf injury, the team announced ahead of Saturday night's friendly against Honduras in College Station, Texas.

'Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be able to be part of the squad that will play the World Cup,' Argentina's official X account shared in a post. 'Chin up, stay strong, and a speedy recovery, Flaco!'Balerdi, 27, has made 11 appearances for Argentina since his debut for the senior national team in 2019. He has never played in a World Cup but made seven appearances (three starts) during this cycle's qualification process.

Serving as the captain for Marseille domestically, the center back was coming off a season where he made 36 appearances across all competitions. He's made 153 appearances for Marseille since he was loaned to the club in 2020 and permanently acquired in 2021, scoring four goals.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni will be able to replace Balerdi on Argentina's 26-man roster. The team begins its 2022 World Cup defense in Group J play against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, which is where the team has set up its base camp.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Mexico City Sun.

More Information

South America

Section

El Niño could raise temperatures to extreme highs, UN predicts

GENEVA, Switzerland: The United Nations weather agency said on June 2 that a moderate or possibly strong El Niño could develop, which...

Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi (calf) out of World Cup

(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi will not participate in this summer's World Cup due...

Brazil defeats USWNT in friendly, spoils Sophia Wilson's return

(Photo credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images) The U.S. national team scheduled a pair of matches in Brazil in preparation of a return...

USMNT recaptures belief in competitive loss to Germany

(Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images) The day began with Jim Cornelison, the famed Chicago Blackhawks signer, doing his usual...

David Beckham backs Japan as World Cup dark horse, relives England glory ahead of 2026 showpiece

London [UK], June 6 (ANI): Legendary English footballer David Beckham has tipped Japan as a potential surprise package at the 2026...

Paraguay's Julio Enciso injured before WC opener vs. U.S.

(Photo credit: Daniel Jefferson-Imagn Images) Paraguay star Julio Enciso was stretchered off the field in tears on Friday, just one...

World

Section