River Plate forward Franco Mastantuono, the new promise of Argentine football, made his debut at the age of 17 years and 295 days with the Albiceleste, after being included by coach Lionel Scaloni in the 83rd minute of the match that Argentina won 0-1 against Chile, amid speculation about his move to Real Madrid.
He came on in the match played in Santiago for the 2026 World Cup qualifier and replaced Thiago Almada and in his first action, he received a yellow card from Guillermo Maripan, who had to grab him when he was on the counter-attack.
Franco Mastantuono surpasses Leo Messi in precocity… but not Maradona in friendly match
Mastantuono broke the official match record of Adolfo Heisinger, who made his debut at 18 years, 1 month and 6 days in the 1960 South American Championship.
Leo Messi made his debut for Argentina at the age of 18 years, one month and 24 days against Hungary.
But if we count friendly matches, Mastantuono did not manage to break the record for the youngest player to debut with Argentina, which is still held by Diego Armando Maradona.
El Pelusa made his debut for Argentina at the age of 16 years, three months and 28 days at La Bombonera against Hungary in 1976.
Franco Mastantuono, pending his move to Real Madrid
Franco Mastantuono received his first call-up to the national team for this double date of the qualifiers, in which Argentina visits La Roja and then faces Colombia in Buenos Aires next Tuesday, October 10.
The Albiceleste, who lead the qualifiers with 31 points, are already qualified for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Mastantuono’s contract with Madrid depends on the negotiation between the Spanish and Argentine clubs of the release clause, stipulated at 45 million euros.
The winger’s move to the Spanish club, however, would come after he plays in the Club World Cup with River, which will take place between June 14 and July 13.
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