Valencia monitor World Cup call as Scaloni weighs Guido Rodríguez decision | OneFootball

Valencia are watching the World Cup closely as Lionel Scaloni weighs whether to summon Guido Rodríguez to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi. The Argentina coach said he will take one or two days and that the shortlist is down to two.

According to Superdeporte, a late call-up for the Valencia midfielder is increasingly likely and could influence his continuity at Mestalla as the club shape their 26/27 plans.

Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up before the 2026 World Cup, where they will defend the title won in Qatar four years ago. After the match, Scaloni said he would use a few extra hours to choose Balerdi’s replacement for the 26-player squad.

For Rodríguez, the national team door has reopened and he is keeping his phone close in case the summons arrives. Balerdi, of Olympique de Marseille, has created a vacancy through injury, and Rodríguez is viewed as one of the leading alternatives despite being a midfielder rather than a centre-back.

Rodríguez is under contract with Valencia until 30 June and is currently on holiday with his family. He was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, though he has not been called up since 2024.

Source: Superdeporte