Decision Made but Not Yet Announced
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has already made up his mind regarding who will replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi in the 26-man World Cup squad, but he is keeping the decision close to his chest until after the friendly against Iceland. The announcement is expected on Wednesday, June 10, giving the chosen player time to join the squad in Kansas.
Balerdi was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury sustained during preparations, forcing Scaloni to reshape his plans just days before Argentina World Cup opener against Algeria on June 17. The defending champions are looking to retain the crown they won so memorably in Qatar in 2022.
A Tactical Choice: Defender or Midfielder
The most intriguing aspect of Scaloni deliberation is that he is not looking to replace Balerdi with another centre-back. The Argentina boss believes his defensive options are already sufficiently covered with Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, and Nicolas Tagliafico all available.
Instead, the focus has shifted to reinforcing the midfield, specifically to add a defensive-minded holding midfielder — a five de marca as it is known in Argentine football. Since the 2024 Copa America, Scaloni has been searching for a specialist in this role, having tried Enzo Barrenechea, Anibal Moreno, Alan Varela, Nicolas Dominguez, and Maximo Perrone without settling on a permanent solution.
The Leading Contenders
The most notable name in contention is Guido Rodriguez, the 32-year-old defensive midfielder who was part of Argentina triumph in Qatar and played a key role in the four titles of the Scaloni era. Currently on loan at Valencia from West Ham, Rodriguez has enjoyed a strong second half to the season, scoring four goals in 17 appearances and accumulating 1,309 minutes. He has not been called up since September 2024, but his experience in the system makes him a compelling option.
Maximo Perrone and Nicolas Dominguez, both already on the 55-man reserve list, represent the more continuity-focused choices. Both players are familiar with Scaloni methods and have been integrated into the setup during previous camps.
The alternative route being considered is Agustín Giay, the 22-year-old Palmeiras full-back who impressed during the recent friendlies. Giay versatility as a right-sided defender who can also operate as a stopper has caught the eye of the coaching staff. His prospects depend heavily on the fitness assessment of Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina, both recovering from recent injuries.
Paredes Injury Complicates Matters
The situation is further complicated by Leandro Paredes injury. The Roma midfielder, who has been Argentina primary defensive screen, is dealing with a hamstring strain that makes him doubtful for the group stage opener. This injury has amplified the need for a dedicated holding midfielder in the squad, strengthening the case for Rodriguez recall.
Regulatory Timeline
FIFA regulations give Argentina until Monday, June 15 — one day before their first match — to finalise the 26-man squad. The governing body has already been notified and verified Balerdi injury. Any subsequent injuries must also be reported to the FIFA medical department. This timeline gives Scaloni the flexibility to wait until after the Iceland friendly to confirm his choice.
As the hours tick down, the football world waits to see whether Scaloni opts for the proven experience of Guido Rodriguez, the emerging promise of Maximo Perrone, or the tactical flexibility of Agustín Giay.
