Franco Mastantuono experienced a night he will never forget as he made his first-ever start for the Argentina national team in their 3-0 victory over Venezuela in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match, played at the historic Estadio Monumental, carried a deep sense of emotion for the youngster, not only because it was on the ground of his former club but also because of the significance of the moment. Representing Argentina in such a crucial fixture is an achievement on its own, but doing so at such a young age highlighted the immense trust placed in his talent.
The occasion became even more remarkable as Mastantuono found himself sharing the pitch with none other than Lionel Messi, the player he had idolized since childhood. For Mastantuono, standing beside Messi in the national colors was nothing short of a dream realized. To add to the drama, this very game could potentially be remembered as Messi’s final official appearance for Argentina on home soil, making the experience profoundly historic. The emotions tied to such a moment elevated the debut from a personal milestone to a memory etched into footballing history.
Speaking about the experience, Mastantuono did not hide his joy and gratitude. He described the opportunity to play alongside Messi as “the dream of my life,” a phrase that reflected not only admiration but also the fulfillment of a childhood aspiration. Having followed Messi’s journey from a young age, Mastantuono cherished every second of being on the same field, especially in front of thousands of passionate fans at the Monumental. The sense of responsibility and pride was visible in his performance as he played confidently for more than an hour.
Interestingly, the match also delivered a lighthearted moment between the rising star and his idol. At one point, Mastantuono chose to take a shot on goal instead of passing to Messi, sparking a humorous reaction from the legendary forward. Recalling the incident, Mastantuono jokingly admitted, “He wanted to kill me, but he understood. I apologized for the play.” Such exchanges, though playful, symbolized the passing of the torch from one generation to the next—Messi understanding the ambition and determination of the young talent who looks up to him.
Away from the national stage, Mastantuono’s career continues to gain momentum at club level. Since joining Real Madrid, he has quickly integrated into the squad under the guidance of manager Xabi Alonso. Impressively, he has already started two out of Los Blancos’ first three La Liga matches this season, signaling that his rise is not just a temporary spark but the beginning of something special. With his name now on the global stage, Mastantuono’s journey looks set to mirror the path of greatness he once only admired from afar.
