Leonardo Balerdi’s early months at Roma have carried him back into Argentina’s plans, turning a summer decision and a strong Serie A start into a timely return to the national squad. For the defender, the call-up also closes part of the disappointment of missing the last World Cup through a right soleus injury.
Key takeaways
- Balerdi chose Roma despite a determined approach from Boca Juniors during the summer.
- Boca’s proposal included a major salary package, additional commercial support and the prospect of future captaincy.
- The centre-back has returned to the Argentina squad after missing the previous World Cup because of injury.
- He described Roma’s welcome as important to his adaptation, particularly with Argentine teammates in the group.
- Balerdi will return to Italy with a demanding Serie A fixture against Como awaiting Roma.
A choice that led to Rome and the Selección
Balerdi had made up his mind when Roma came forward. Boca Juniors had pushed hard to bring him home, with both the club president and coach contacting the player directly. The Argentine side were prepared to offer an important contract, with a sponsor also discussed as a way to raise his overall earnings.
There was a longer-term role in the proposal too: Balerdi was told he could inherit the captain’s armband once Leandro Paredes eventually stepped aside. Yet the defender declined, waited for Roma and committed himself to the Giallorossi project at the first opportunity.
That decision has quickly taken on sporting weight. Balerdi has enjoyed a convincing opening to the season in Rome and has found an environment in which he feels settled. “Everyone welcomed me very well,” he said. “Having Argentine boys here helped me a lot. I am very happy; I had a real desire to play in Serie A.”
His place with Argentina is especially meaningful after the setback that ruled him out of the last World Cup. The injury to the soleus in his right leg deprived him of that tournament, making this latest international return feel like regained ground rather than simply another call-up.
Inter test, Gasperini’s praise and a difficult return
The path back to the Selección followed an intense league meeting with Inter, when Balerdi came up against compatriot Lautaro Martínez. He knew the Inter forward well enough to expect a complicated evening, and felt the contest lived up to that expectation.
“I already knew him, so I knew it would be difficult, and it was,” Balerdi said. “But it was a good match.”
Gian Piero Gasperini has also taken notice of the defender’s development, drawing a comparison with Franco Baresi. Balerdi was careful to place those remarks in their proper context, saying the coach had been referring principally to Baresi’s characteristics rather than making a broader claim. His response was straightforward: remain humble and continue his progress.
Argentina’s gathering has another emotional dimension, with Lionel Messi approaching what is described as his final match as Selección captain. Balerdi said he particularly wanted to be present for such an important moment for Messi, whom he called the ultimate example for the group.
Roma will soon reclaim their defender from international duty, with Como providing an immediate and difficult examination. For Balerdi, it is the next fixture in a season that has already given his summer choice a clear sense of direction.
