Scaloni makes last-minute call-up for Tottenham's new defender

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has called up Tottenham defender Marcos Senesi to the national squad, where he will replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi.

Just two days ago, the 29-year-old Senesi was officially unveiled by Tottenham as a new signing, having been due to join the club on 1 July after his contract with Bournemouth expired. That moment will now likely be delayed, as the centre-back heads to the United States to join Lionel Messi and company at the camp in Kansas City.

Senesi himself was on holiday with his partner Kelsey-Rose Bowers when he received the fortunate call from Scaloni. He also posted a video of the emotional moment.

Balerdi suffered a serious muscle tear in his right leg during training, but the manager waited until the final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland before deciding to call up the new Tottenham signing.

Senesi received his first Argentina call-up ahead of the Finalissima in 2022. Around the same time, he was also called up by the Italian national team, for whom he was eligible due to his heritage, but he chose Argentina. A few days later he made his debut in a friendly against Estonia. In October he played 90 minutes against Venezuela, and his most recent appearance came against Mauritania at La Bombonera on 27 March.