Lionel Messi team-mate brutally ruled out of World Cup as Premier League star lined up as replacement

One of Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammates has been ruled out of participating in the World Cup just days before the tournament, and a Premier League star could be set to replace him.

Argentina enter the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across the US, Mexico and Canada, as reigning champions after dramatically beating France on penalties in the 2022 final.

Messi will lead the side in his sixth World Cup finals appearance, while Premier League stars Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero and Emi Martinez will be tasked with helping the South Americans secure their fourth triumph.

Among the other notable squad members are Inter Miami’s Rodrigo De Paul and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi receives special perk at Argentina's World Cup training camp that no other player has

While all of the aforementioned names will play their part at the tournament, Marseille captain and centre-back Leonardo Balerdi will unfortunately play no part after being ruled out with a muscle injury in his right leg.

A statement posted by Argentina on social media read: “Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be part of the squad that will play at the World Cup. Chin up, stay strong and wishing you a speedy recovery, skinny!”

Balerdi played seven times during Argentina’s qualifying campaign and has 11 caps in total.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni will now have to decide on Balerdi’s replacement, with Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi in line to enter the squad.

Other options include Agustin Giay, Nicolas Capaldo, Marcos Senesi, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Kevin Mac Allister, Zaid Romero, German Pezzella, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marcos Acuña and Gabriel Rojas.

Senesi is expected to join Spurs on a free transfer this summer.

Argentina 26-man World Cup squad

Goalkeepers

Emiliano Martínez

Geronimo Rulli

Juan Musso

Defenders

Nahuel Molina

Gonzalo Montiel

Cristian Romero

Leonardo Balerdi (now injured)

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