OM: Balerdi under fire in Marseille, revived with Argentina?

After a gruelling August in an OM shirt, Leonardo Balerdi found a calmer setting upon joining the Argentina squad. Called up by Lionel Scaloni, he didn’t set foot on the pitch in the 3-0 win over Venezuela, but he could well start against Ecuador. With Cristian Romero suspended, there is a gap at center-back. And for the local press, the choice is clear: Balerdi is the number-one option.

The daily Olé states: “Leonardo Balerdi appears to be the one who will start. The Olympique de Marseille defender would be an ideal partner for Nicolás Otamendi.” The same goes for La Nacion, which believes the 26-year-old has all the qualities to make the role his own.

The Argentine press is confident

In Buenos Aires, the media were quick to rally behind the Olympien. TyC Sport recalls his excellent display against Chile last June and writes: “Leonardo Balerdi will replace Cuti Romero. In this scenario, the player who has all the potential to replace him is Leonardo Balerdi, who is looking to establish himself as the backup after his memorable performance.”

For many, he has become one of the faces of the Scaloni era, alongside young talents such as Thiago Almada and Nico Paz. “Since his arrival in Marseille in 2020, he has played 167 matches. His role has become so important that he is now a trusted option for Scaloni,” Olé continues, highlighting his consistency and progression despite criticism from France.

A mixed reputation

In Argentina, people haven’t forgotten his early beginnings at Boca Juniors, his move to Germany with Borussia Dortmund, and then settling at OM. His path—seen as courageous and demanding—is viewed as proof of his character. For La Nacion, “Balerdi is a player who has managed to establish himself in European football despite initial doubts. He deserves a chance with the national team.”

In Marseille, supporters still associate him too much with his early-season errors. But from Argentina, Balerdi embodies reliability and tenacity: a defender who learns from his mistakes and never hides.

A match to reignite his season

Against Ecuador, he will have the opportunity to show he can rise to the occasion under international pressure. A solid performance in the Albiceleste shirt could change the current perception in Marseille and restore his confidence.

Criticized in France but backed in Argentina, Leonardo Balerdi is at a crossroads. And it may be with the national team that he finds the means to bounce back and become the leader expected at the Vélodrome again.