Balerdi Returns to Argentina Squad, Says He Is Happy at Roma

Leonardo Balerdi rejoined Argentina's national team after injury kept him out of the World Cup and said he is settling in well at Roma.

Leonardo Balerdi has rejoined the Argentina national team after injury forced him to miss the World Cup. The Roma center-back arrived in his home country ahead of training under head coach Lionel Scaloni and spoke to reporters, including Cadena 3 Rosario, upon landing.

Balerdi said being present for what could be a leading role in Lionel Messi's final match was part of his motivation for returning. "For us, he's the ultimate example; being here is the best thing that could have happened to me," he said. He added that he had not yet spoken with Messi and was looking forward to seeing him at the training camp.

The defender also addressed recent comments from Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini that compared him to Franco Baresi. Balerdi said the words were altered slightly in translation and that Gasperini was referring mainly to Baresi's characteristics, adding that he intends to stay calm and humble.

On his move to Serie A, Balerdi said he has been welcomed well in Rome, including by the Argentine players there, and that he is very happy and had long wanted to play in the Italian league. He also reflected on his most recent club match, in which he marked Lautaro Martinez against Inter, calling it a difficult but great contest.