Key Takeaways:
- Franco Mastantuono started alongside Lionel Messi last night as Argentina recorded a 3-0 win over Venezuela
- The fixture marked Lionel Messi’s final competitive game on Argentine soil, as confirmed by Messi himself
- Mastantuono, having joined Real Madrid less than a month ago, has already made two starting appearances in La Liga under Xabi Alonso
Memorable Night for Argentina and Messi
Argentina secured a convincing 3-0 result against Venezuela on Thursday night, with Lionel Messi notching a brace in a match of particular significance. The evening at River Plate’s El Monumental Stadium signalled Messi’s final competitive appearance in his home country, as the 38-year-old confirmed post-match. In an emotional twist, Messi also announced to supporters that participation in the 2026 World Cup now seems unlikely.
🗣️ Franco Mastantuono: “Playing with Messi? It was great to play with him, it was my lifelong dream. I’ve always said he’s been my role model since I was young. I’ve watched him throughout his career.” 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/rfGK2BLVEm
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 5, 2025
Mastantuono Reflects on Sharing the Pitch with His Idol
Franco Mastantuono, who recently turned 18 and joined Real Madrid, started the match alongside Messi. The young midfielder, a self-confessed Messi admirer, recounted a light-hearted incident on the pitch where he opted to take a shot instead of passing to the better-placed Messi.
“He wanted to kill me, but he understood it. I apologised for the play,” Mastantuono told Diario AS.
He went on to say, “It was amazing to play with him. It was truly my life’s dream. Doing it at River Plate’s ground was incredible. I’ve always said it, he’s my idol since I was a kid. I watched him his entire career, and watching him play the way he did…”
Mastantuono paid tribute to the fans’ reception for Messi, commenting, “It’s what he deserved,” in response to the homage at El Monumental.
Strong Start for Mastantuono at Real Madrid
Since officially joining Real Madrid less than a month ago, Mastantuono has made an immediate impression. The Argentine international has been included in Xabi Alonso’s starting XI for two of the club’s three La Liga fixtures, making an additional substitute appearance in the third. The Basque coach has publicly praised Mastantuono’s early contributions, recognising his potential despite some flashes of inconsistency.
