Fanaj Benlahoucine, Media365: published on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 00:02
OM players Leonardo Balerdi and Geronimo Rulli have been called up by Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni to participate in the friendly match against the Guatemala. Lionel Messi is also part of this roster.
Is the grass greener in Argentina than in Marseille? Apparently yes, especially for Leonardo Balerdi. The center-back, who was captain of OM during Roberto De Zerbi’s reign, faced a lot of criticism during Marseille’s crisis this winter due to poor performances. After Habib Beye took over, Balerdi lost the captain’s armband to Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, despite being publicly supported by his new coach. However, Lionel Scaloni did not hold it against him when selecting the team for the upcoming international window.
Leonardo Balerdi will defend the world champions’ colors on March 31 in a friendly match against Guatemala at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors’ iconic stadium in Buenos Aires. His Marseille teammate, Geronimo Rulli, has also been called up alongside the Albiceleste’s starting goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Juan Musso. In addition to the two Marseille players, Lionel Scaloni has also called up two other Ligue 1 players: Nicolas Tagliafico from Lyon and Valentin Barco from Strasbourg. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who recently made headlines for his racist insults towards Vinicius in the Champions League, has also been invited.
Without Lautaro but with Messi and Alvarez
However, the South American coach did not call up Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid. The 18-year-old striker has not been playing much under Alvaro Arbeloa. The same goes for Lautaro Martinez, who injured his left leg with Inter Milan. Nonetheless, Argentina will rely on captain Lionel Messi and Atletico de Madrid’s forward Julian Alvarez. Originally set to play the “Finalissima” in Doha, Qatar against European champions Spain, the world champions have refused to play this relocated match in Madrid and will only face Guatemala at home.
