New Delhi, June 7 -- Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi will miss the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a calf injury.

"Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle ​injury in ‌the soleus of his right leg and will not be able to be ‌part of the squad ​that will play the World Cup," the defending champions said in a statement.

"Hang in there, stay strong, and ‌get well soon," Argentina added.

Leonardo Balerdi played seven matches for Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign, including three starts. Overall, the 27-year-old has earned 11 caps for Argentina.

This would have been Leonardo Balerdi's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign. Balerdi was a regular starter for Marseille, playing 26 g...