Argentine: Balerdi and Rulli selected

OM players Leonardo Balerdi and Geronimo Rulli have been called up by Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni to participate in the world champions’ friendly match against Guatemala on March 31. Lionel Messi is also part of the list.

Is the grass greener in Argentina than in Marseille? Apparently yes, especially for Leonardo Balerdi. Captaining OM during Roberto De Zerbi’s reign, the center-back faced criticism during the Phocéenne crisis this winter due to poor performances. After Habib Beye took over, Balerdi lost the captain’s armband to Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, even though he was publicly supported by the new coach. However, Lionel Scaloni did not hold this against him when selecting his squad for the upcoming international window.

Leonardo Balerdi will represent the world champions on March 31 in a friendly match against Guatemala at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors’ iconic stadium in Buenos Aires. His OM teammate, Geronimo Rulli, has also been called up alongside first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Juan Musso. In addition to the two Marseille players, Scaloni also included two other Ligue 1 players: Lyon’s defender Nicolas Tagliafico and Strasbourg’s midfielder Valentin Barco. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who recently made headlines for racist insults towards Vinicius in the Champions League, was also invited.

Without Lautaro but with Messi and Alvarez

However, South American coach did not call up Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old forward doesn’t play much under Alvaro Arbeloa. The same goes for Lautaro Martinez, who injured his left leg with Inter Milan. In attack, Argentina can rely on captain Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid’s forward Julian Alvarez. Initially set to play the “Finalissima” in Doha against European champions Spain, the world champions decided not to relocate the match to Madrid and will only face Guatemala at home.