Why Balerdi’s Withdrawal Matters: The Midfield Void Argentina Can’t Afford

Balerdi’s withdrawal is the latest in a string of setbacks for Scaloni, who has already had to navigate the absences of key players due to injuries and suspensions. The Marseille midfielder, who had been a standout performer in Argentina’s recent friendlies, was expected to provide depth in the central midfield alongside Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister.

According to FIFA’s official medical bulletin, Balerdi’s injury was confirmed on June 10, just days before the squad’s final training camp in Buenos Aires. The 25-year-old, who plays for Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1, had been recovering from a groin strain but faced a setback during a recent training session. “The injury has worsened beyond initial expectations,” a source close to the player told Reuters, adding that Balerdi will require “at least six weeks” of rehabilitation.

Scaloni’s challenge now is to replace Balerdi without disrupting the balance of a midfield already under scrutiny. The absence of Nicolás Otamendi (knee surgery) and Juan Foyth (ankle injury) has left Argentina relying heavily on Fernández and Mac Allister, two players who excel in different facets of the game but whose combined workload could be tested in a tournament as physically demanding as the World Cup.

Who Could Replace Balerdi? Scaloni’s Late-Minute Options

With the roster deadline looming, Scaloni has narrowed his options to three candidates: Thiago Almada (Brighton), Nicolás González (Boca Juniors), and Cristian Rodríguez (Boca Juniors). Each brings a distinct profile to the table:

• Thiago Almada: The 24-year-old Brighton winger is a dynamic attacker who could provide width and creativity, but his defensive contributions in midfield remain unproven at the international level.
• Nicolás González: A defensive midfielder with experience in Argentina’s recent Copa América campaigns, González offers ball-winning ability but lacks the offensive creativity Scaloni often demands.
• Cristian Rodríguez: The 26-year-old Boca Juniors midfielder is a versatile box-to-box player, but his inclusion would shift Scaloni’s tactical approach toward a more physical, pressing style—one that may not suit Argentina’s possession-based system.

A source within the Argentine Football Association (AFA) told BBC Sport that Scaloni is leaning toward Almada, citing his “explosive energy” and ability to stretch play. However, the decision is not yet finalized, and Scaloni has indicated he may wait until the last possible moment to announce his final squad.

Key Takeaway: Scaloni’s choice will determine whether Argentina’s midfield becomes more attacking (Almada) or more defensively solid (González/Rodríguez). The decision could also influence Argentina’s formation, with Scaloni potentially shifting to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 to accommodate the replacement.

How This Affects Argentina’s World Cup Preparations

Balerdi’s withdrawal comes at a critical juncture for Argentina, which is preparing for what promises to be the most competitive World Cup in history. The Albiceleste will face tough opponents in the opening stages, including FIFA’s projected Group A (which includes Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland). A weakened midfield could leave Argentina vulnerable to counterattacks, particularly against teams with quick wingers.

Scaloni’s tactical flexibility is already limited by the absence of Otamendi, a key defensive anchor. Balerdi’s departure removes another layer of creativity and pressing intensity. “This is a significant blow,” said The Guardian’s football correspondent, Simon Kuper. “Argentina’s midfield has been their Achilles’ heel in recent tournaments, and now they’re starting with even less depth.”

Adding to the complexity, Argentina’s World Cup squad will train in Miami (UTC-4) before traveling to Houston (UTC-5) for the tournament’s opening match on November 11, 2026. The time zone changes and the physical demands of training camps could further test the fitness of an already depleted squad.

Comparing Argentina’s Midfield Crisis to Past World Cup Setbacks

Argentina’s midfield struggles are not new. In the 2014 World Cup, the absence of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia left the team exposed, particularly in the knockout stages. Similarly, in the 2018 World Cup, the injury to Marcos Rojo and the underperformance of Exequiel Palacios contributed to Argentina’s early exit.

A comparison of Argentina’s midfield depth in recent tournaments highlights the current crisis:

The pattern is clear: Argentina’s midfield depth has consistently been a vulnerability. The 2026 tournament, however, presents an added challenge—this time, Scaloni has fewer options to rotate players due to the higher number of matches (7 instead of 6).

What Happens Next: Scaloni’s Final Roster Announcement and Training Camp

Scaloni must finalize his 26-man roster by June 15, 2024, according to FIFA’s official regulations. The squad will then undergo a two-week training camp in Miami, Florida, before traveling to Houston, Texas for the tournament’s opening match.

Key deadlines and next steps:

• June 15, 2024: Final roster submission to FIFA.
• June 20–July 4, 2024: Training camp in Miami (UTC-4).
• July 10, 2024: Team arrives in Houston for final preparations.
• November 11, 2026: Argentina’s opening match vs. Saudi Arabia (7:00 PM local time, 00:00 UTC).

Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Scaloni’s late replacement choice stabilizes Argentina’s midfield—or exposes further weaknesses. “This is a defining moment for Scaloni,” said MARCA’s football analyst, Paco Jamardo. “His ability to adapt will determine whether Argentina can defend their title or face an early exit.”

FAQ: What This Means for Argentina’s World Cup Chances

Q: Will Balerdi’s absence cost Argentina the World Cup?

A: Not necessarily, but it increases the risk. Argentina’s midfield has historically been a strength, and Balerdi’s departure removes a key creative force. However, Scaloni has a deep bench, and the replacement could still perform well. The bigger concern is the cumulative impact of multiple injuries.

Q: Could Argentina still win without Balerdi?

A: Yes, but it would require peak performances from Fernández, Mac Allister, and the replacement. Argentina’s attack (Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez) remains formidable, but midfield control will be crucial against physical teams like Mexico or Poland.

Q: How does this compare to other teams’ injury crises?

A: Several teams are dealing with similar issues. For example, France’s Kylian Mbappé is facing fitness concerns, while Germany’s midfield is also thin after key absences. Argentina’s situation is unique because their midfield was already considered their weakest link.

Q: Will Scaloni make any other late changes?

A: Unlikely. FIFA’s roster rules are strict, and Scaloni has already faced criticism for his selection process. Any further changes would require a medical emergency, which is highly unlikely at this stage.