Argentina squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up: Montiel, Balerdi out with injuries

Argentina suffered a blow during its preparations for the 2026 World Cup when two of its defenders, centre-back Leonardo Balerdi and right-back Gonzalo Montiel, were ruled out of the March-April international friendlies due to injuries.

Balerdi has a calf injury, while Montiel has been ruled out due to a muscle injury.

Montiel, who plays as a right back, scored the first goal from the spot in River Plate’s 2–0 win in Río Cuarto, but had to be stretchered off the pitch before the end of the match, with clear signs of pain before the match ended.

According to local media, Montiel underwent tests after the match, which revealed that he had suffered a grade 1 muscle injury in the left biceps femoris.

Montiel was an integral member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team in Qatar four years ago, and Lioel Scaloni, the Argentina coach, has not yet named a replacement for the defender.

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On the other hand, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Montiel’s teammate at River Plate, has replaced Balerdi in the squad.

Quarta was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2024 Copa America, and his late inclusion will give him another chance for a final push to make the 2026 World Cup squad.

Argentina was due to play against Spain and Qatar in the March-April international period. However, due to the West Asian conflict, the tournament – ​​Qatar Football Festival – was postponed.

Instead of, The Albiceleste will play Mauritania on March 27 and Zambia five days later. Both matches will take place at La Bombonera, officially known as Estadio Alberto José Armando, in Buenos Aires.

Published on March 24, 2026