Leonardo Balerdi, Lionel Messi's Argentina teammate, revealed the recommendations that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner gave him to succeed in the selection.
Author of a not entirely convincing start to the season at Olympique de Marseille, Leonardo Balerdi will return to the Argentine selection. The Marseille central defender was called up by Lionel Scaloni to participate in Argentina's next meetings as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, against Paraguay and Peru, on November 15 and 20 respectively.
On this occasion, the captain of Ciel et Blanc received valuable advice from Lionel Messi. The latter notably invited Balerdi to play without complexes in the same way as he does at OM.
Messi reveals the key to winning the selection
“Leo Messi asks me to be calm and play the same way as at club. That's the key. And then obviously, you have to adapt to your opponent. It depends on the opponent and the training, but he always asks you to be 100% and try to play the same way as at club so that you can establish yourself here permanently”he said in comments relayed by beIN Sports.
As a reminder, Balerdi started in every match he played with OM, 8 times in 8 matches. Despite sometimes lackluster performances, the Argentinian international remains one of the most reliable options in defense for coach Roberto De Zerbi.
