Franco Mastantuono: A Rising Star in Soccer
Franco Mastantuono, an 18-year-old midfielder from Argentina, is poised for a remarkable trajectory in professional soccer, having already made significant strides with both Real Madrid and the Argentine national team. His aspiration to compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is a focal point of his career at this early stage.
Dreams of the World Cup
In a recent interview with ESPN, Mastantuono described the opportunity to join the squad as an absolute dream.
“Reaching the 2026 World Cup would be incredible,” he shared. “I’m committed to working diligently towards that goal, taking it one step at a time. Playing at such a young age, particularly at 18, would be a surreal achievement for me. I feel a strong sense of belonging within the team, and making it to the World Cup remains my top priority.”
Rapid Ascent in National Team
Mastantuono’s inclusion in the national lineup underscores his rapid ascent; he has participated in the last two call-ups for the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers and has made three appearances for the Argentine team, including his first start in a narrow 1-0 win against Chile back in June. A significant moment in his career came when he was bestowed with the iconic number 10 jersey for the match against Ecuador in September, a moment that left a lasting impression on him.
“Wearing the number 10 is surreal,” he remarked. “It’s a number that holds legendary status in world football, worn by the likes of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. I was taken aback when it happened; it was truly a special experience. Just seeing a photograph of myself in that jersey brings back so much emotion. I walked into the locker room, saw my name next to Julián Álvarez’s, and thought maybe it was a prank. That was definitely a memorable moment for me.”
From Fan to Teammate
Having been a fervent admirer of Messi and the national squad, Mastantuono had followed Argentina’s journey to their 2022 World Cup triumph as a devoted fan, even memorializing the date of the final with a tattoo.
“That date is significant to me as a reminder of that extraordinary national team and particularly the challenges Leo overcame to secure the title. It was the best possible outcome for us, and now sharing the pitch with him as a teammate is just the icing on the cake. I’ve always had dreams of playing professional soccer, but I never imagined I’d be experiencing all of this firsthand.”
Club Career at Real Madrid
At Real Madrid, Mastantuono has made his mark as a starting player, frequently positioned on the right wing, a role he found to be distinct from his national duties.
“I enjoy playing on the wide right or centrally, but I’m adaptable and can even play in defense if needed,” he humorously noted while emphasizing a tactical contrast between his club and national team. “Real Madrid emphasizes direct play, while the national team leans more towards possession-based strategies.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Mastantuono and the Argentine team are set to face Venezuela and Puerto Rico in friendly matches during the upcoming international break. His journey represents a bright future for both the player and the national squad.
