The striker of River Plate Franco Mastantuono, One of the young promises of Argentine footballhe debuted on Thursday at 17 years and 295 days with the Absolute selection of Argentina. The attacker entered the pitch in the 83rd minute of the match against Chile, on the occasion of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match ended with victory for the team of Lionel Scaloni at the Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium (0-1).
Mastantuono yesterday exceeded the precocity record with the 'albiceleste' in the official party. Until now, this achievement had it Juan Sarnari who debuted with Argentina at age 18, one month and 22 days in the 1960 Pan American Championship against Costa Rica. In the case of Leo Messi, he did the same with 18 years, one month and 24 days In front of Hungary, in August 2005. However, Diego Armando Maradona remains the youngest to debut with Argentina, if the friendly matches are taken into account.
'El Pelusa' debuted with the national team at age 16, three months and 28 days. Also in front of Hungary as in the case of Messi, but in 1976 in La Bombonera. “I think he has a great future. Logically we have to take it as we believe we have to take it. He is 17 years old and that is important. We have a great team and he will help us be stronger, “Scaloni said at a press conference, at the end of the match against Chile.
The albiceleste coach gave Mastantuono the opportunity to enter the pitch in the second part, replacing Thiago Almeida. After the first action performed by the River Plate player, the main collegiate took a yellow card to Guillermo Maripán. The Chilean defense stopped to the extreme at the exit of a counterattack.
Franco Mastantuono, waiting for Real Madrid
Although Argentina is classified for the 2026 World Cup and has another commitment against Colombia next Tuesday, June 10, The attacker continues to link to Real Madrid Out of the selection. The white team is one of the most interested teams in getting the services of Franco Mastantuono.
However, the signing of his contract with the Madrid club depends on the negotiation that agrees with River Plate, since the soccer player's termination clause is from 45 million euros. In addition, the incorporation of the end to the Xabi Alonso set would occur hypothetically, once the Club World Cup that will start on June 14.