SpotlightFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 23 Sept 2026
Balerdi snubbed Boca captaincy to wait for Roma
Leonardo Balerdi turned down Boca Juniors' money and a future captaincy, choosing instead to wait for Roma's call.
L. Balerdi
player
Club
Roma
Position
Defender
Nationality
Argentina
Rejected
Boca Juniors
What happened. Leonardo Balerdi revealed he rejected a lucrative Boca Juniors offer, which included the prospect of captaincy after Leandro Paredes retires, to join Roma. He waited for Roma's first call and the decision has already paid off with a return to the Argentina squad.
- Boca's president and coach personally called him with a big salary and sponsorship.
- He marked Lautaro Martinez in a 2-2 draw against Inter.
- Gian Piero Gasperini compared him to Franco Baresi, a comparison Balerdi played down.
“At Roma they welcomed me really well. There are Argentine lads, that helped me a great deal.”
— Leonardo Balerdi
Balerdi is enjoying life at Roma and his Argentina call-up coincides with Lionel Messi's final match for the national team.
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