Mastantuono 'sad' over Messi Argentina farewell, seeks no revenge after Real Madrid move
Quick summary
Franco Mastantuono has expressed sadness at Lionel Messi's potential farewell from the Argentina national team and dismissed any notion of seeking revenge through his Real Madrid spell after leaving River Plate.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFranco Mastantuono is ‘happy’ at Fiorentina but doesn’t seek ‘revenge’ after a disappointing season at Real Madrid, and he’s ‘sad’ to see Lionel Messi end his international career: ‘He’s an idol for all of us.’
Mastantuono has received a call-up for upcoming Argentina national team friendlies and spoke to Argentine media about his loan spell at Fiorentina.
VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 11: Franco Mastantuono of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on September 11, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) “I’m doing well; I’m adapting to Italian football, and I’m really happy. I’m getting playing time, and I feel good and happy,” he said via Corriere dello Sport.
Just a few days ago, the 19-year-old became the youngest player in Fiorentina’s history to score a hat-trick, netting three times in a 4-2 win over Venezia.
Mastantuono joined Fiorentina on a dry loan deal from Real Madrid last summer.
“It’s not revenge; it’s a beautiful type of football, different from the Spanish one. I’m having a lot of fun,” he said.
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina reacts anf Franco Mastantuono of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 20, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Mastantuono had joined Real Madrid from River Plate in a €45m deal in the summer of 2025 but failed to live up to expectations, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 35 appearances across all competitions.
During his one-year spell at the Bernabéu, Mastantuono collected only 1484 minutes on the pitch. His contract with the La Liga giants runs out in June 2031.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 14: Lautaro Martínez of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team’s sixth goal with teammates Lionel Messi and Nico Paz during the International Friendly match between Puerto Rico and Argentina at Chase Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) During the international break, Mastantuono will witness Messi’s farewell Argentina game against Benin in October.
“It will be hard; he’s an idol for all of us, not just as a footballer,” he concluded.
“I believe he’s an idol for the entire country; it will be sad without him. But we have to do it for him, who will surely be happy.”
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What happened
Young Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono, who recently completed a high-profile transfer from River Plate to Real Madrid, has spoken emotionally about Lionel Messi's possible departure from international duty. The teenager said he was 'sad' at the prospect of Argentina without Messi and rejected the idea that his move to the Spanish capital was driven by a desire for revenge against River Plate. Mastantuono is regarded as one of Argentina's most exciting prospects and his integration at Real Madrid will be closely watched as the club continues its post-Mbappé era rebuild.
Chance analysis
Mastantuono's comments underline the weight of expectation he carries as one of the brightest talents in Argentine football, stepping into a Real Madrid project that is still defining its next generation. His open admiration for Messi — paired with a refusal to frame his River Plate exit as revenge — paints him as a player focused on legacy and maturity rather than controversy. For Madridistas, the subtext is clear: a teenage winger joining the Bernabéu ranks at a moment when creative succession planning matters more than ever.
Real Madrid gain a highly rated young attacking talent whose emotional and psychological profile suggests a smooth integration, while the broader storyline has limited direct impact on upcoming fixtures.