SUMMARY
- Argentina will defend their Copa America crown in the summer of 2024.
- Ahead of their campaign, Olympique Marseille fans demand the inclusion of Leonardo Belardi in the Argentine side.
Argentina has a very daunting task ahead of it in the summer of 2024. ‘La Albiceleste’ will be all set to defend their Copa America crown against some of South America’s best teams from June 21, 2024.
One important thing to be considered while going into a tournament is to have a rock-solid defense at the back. While the attacking line is equally crucial, it is a team’s defense that decides the fate of a tournament.
Olympique Marseille fans have started a campaign with a hashtag (#BalerdiCopaAmerica2024), which has gained considerable momentum among their fanbase, recognizing the defender’s stellar season with Les Olympiens. 🇦🇷🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/1u1FBykx9b
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) April 19, 2024
Argentina already has a plethora of defensive talent at their disposal, with the likes of Christian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, German Pezzela, Nico Tagliafico, etc. However, a new name could be added to the list, as Olympique Marseille fans are pushing for Leonardo Balerdi to be included in the Copa America 2024 squad.
The Marseille fans have already started a campaign on social media, by running the hashtag #BalerdiCopaAmerica2024 on X. Moreover, this social media campaign is gaining traction with the passing of each day producing some interesting comments on X.
Marseille fans believe Lionel Scaloni should call Leonardo Balerdi to the Copa America
Although the 25-year-old has just made 2 appearances for the Argentine senior team, it seems that the Olympique Marseille fans are pretty convinced about Balerdi’s talent. The Argentine has impressed the Marseille faithful with his stellar performances at the back, which has strengthened his candidacy for the Copa America 2024 squad.
‘Marnie’ is one such X user who believes that it would be an injustice if the 25-year-old is not selected for the Copa America 2024. The user commented, “Scaloni should call him💙.” While, another ‘X’ user opines that Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni should give opportunities to younger players like Leonardo Balerdi, than the likes of Nicolas Otamendi.
(Credits-Mundo Albiceleste)
They commented, “Should be in the squad instead of otamendi.” ‘Xabhi 🔮’ commented, “French fans campaigning for an Argentine 💀.” While, ‘Messi Updates’ wrote, “For the French to do this, he most be really good.” The two users were shocked to know about the Marseille fans’ generosity considering the animosity between the French and the Argentine since the final of the FIFA WC 2022.
Leonardo Ballionelerdi has turned his career around at Marseille
The 25-year-old has been at the French club since 2021, but it is safe to consider that Balerdi has had a breakthrough season in 23/24. However, the Argentine was a pretty hated figure in the club, at the start of the season. The Argentine had a fairly terrible game against Marseille’s arch-rivals Paris Saint Germain, which they lost 3-0.
This had surprisingly forced a fan to go on a hunger striker to ask for the Argentine to leave Olympique Marseille. However, Leonardo Balerdi has since massively improved his defending, establishing him as one of the most sought-after center-backs in Europe.
The defender has had an average rating of 7.25 per game, which is a fairly decent one. Leanardo Balerdi has won 64% of his duels in the 23/24 season, which tells about his physical prowess and sturdiness. The 25-year-old is fairly good in the air as well, with 49 aerial duels won. Balerdi’s total interceptions (39) and tackles won (38) speak highly of the talent that the Argentine possesses.
🚨🇦🇷 Pending confirmation: Atlético Madrid is in pole position to sign Leonardo Balerdi. He will leave Marseille this summer.
[@lequipe via @peupleolympien] pic.twitter.com/moU5jsKpHy
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) April 18, 2024
His great performances have alerted many clubs across Europe, with Atletico Madrid reportedly plotting a move for the Argentine who’s leaving Marseille in the summer of 2024. Moreover, by looking at his statistics it is no doubt that Leonardo Balerdi deserves to be in the Argentine team for the Copa America 2024.
However, the fans will also have to realize that very little time is left for the elite South American competition. In such circumstances, Lionel Scaloni would rather play a team that has been starting regularly for the country. Leanardo has featured only twice for Argentina, and therefore cannot start directly in a Copa America match.
Hence, it is almost likely that Leanardo will have to wait for his chances in the future, as Scaloni will only take his trusted defenders to the tournament. But, given his potential, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Leanardo Balerdi becomes a regular for the Argentina NT in the near future.
