Key Takeaways:
- Lionel Scaloni has summoned Marcos Senesi to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi in Argentina’s squad
- Senesi, aged 29, had only just been unveiled as a Tottenham signing two days ago
- Balerdi suffered a severe muscle tear in his right leg during training, prompting the late change after the final friendly against Iceland
Scaloni Turns to Senesi Following Balerdi Setback
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has made a last-minute adjustment to his squad by calling up defender Marcos Senesi, who was recently introduced as Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing. Senesi comes in to replace Leonardo Balerdi, sidelined after sustaining a serious muscle tear in his right leg during a training session. Scaloni delayed his decision until after the team’s concluding friendly against Iceland before opting to bring in Senesi.
🚨☎️ The moment when Marcos Senesi got a call from Lionel Scaloni.
What a video. pic.twitter.com/OJZhg1WPn9
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 11, 2026
Senesi’s Spurs Move Paused for National Duty
Senesi, aged 29, was officially presented as a Tottenham player only two days ago, following his transfer from Bournemouth. He was originally expected to join up with the Spurs on 1 July, once his contract with Bournemouth concluded. However, those plans have now been put on hold as the centre-back travels to Kansas City in the United States to join Lionel Messi and the Argentina squad at their training camp.
Unexpected Call Came During Holiday
Senesi was on holiday with his partner, Kelsey-Rose Bowers, when he received the call from Scaloni. The defender shared a video of the emotional moment on social media.
International Career Overview
Senesi made his initial appearance for the national team ahead of the ‘Finalissima’ in 2022. At that time, he also received an invitation from the Italian national team, being eligible through his heritage, but ultimately committed to Argentina. A few days after this decision, Senesi debuted in a friendly against Estonia.
He went on to play a full 90 minutes in a fixture against Venezuela in October, while his most recent appearance for Argentina came against Mauritania at La Bombonera on 27 March.
