Franco Mastantuono has once again captured the spotlight—not only because of his status as one of Real Madrid’s most promising young talents, but also due to his recent comments on Lionel Messi. The Argentine attacking midfielder openly declared Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, placing him above Cristiano Ronaldo in his personal ranking.
Despite currently being sidelined due to injury, Mastantuono’s name continues to trend in Spain and Argentina. He joined Real Madrid from River Plate last summer as a highly-rated teenager, widely touted as a future star for Los Blancos.
Even in his first season in Europe, Mastantuono has already experienced football at the highest level with both Real Madrid and the Argentina national team. His unique perspective, having shared the pitch with Messi internationally, adds weight to his opinion in the long-standing debate over the greatest player in football history.
Promising Start Cut Short by Injury
Mastantuono’s journey at Real Madrid began with great promise. Signed in August from River Plate for an estimated £40 million, the young midfielder immediately attracted attention as one of the most exciting prospects in the squad.
He impressed during preseason and the early stages of the campaign, even becoming one of the youngest starters in Real Madrid’s Champions League matches. His performances hinted that, despite being only 18 years old, he was ready to compete at the very top of European football.
However, Mastantuono’s momentum was halted by a serious groin injury, forcing him to pause his breakthrough season and focus entirely on rehabilitation. Meanwhile, some analysts in Spain questioned his impact in matches, particularly regarding defensive contributions. With rising competition in the squad, especially from standout performer Jude Bellingham, Mastantuono faces the challenge of reclaiming his place once fully fit.
Mastantuono Chooses Messi Over Ronaldo
During his recovery, Mastantuono addressed a classic football question: who is the greatest of all time—Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
Given his Real Madrid affiliation, his choice could have sparked reactions among fans. Yet, Mastantuono spoke honestly, reflecting his direct experience as Messi’s teammate in the Argentina national team.
“I’m a Real Madrid fan and I play for the biggest club in the world, but the greatest of all time is Messi, and that will never change until he retires.
I’ve played alongside him internationally, and he’s incredible. Every time he touches the ball, it leaves you speechless.”
Admiration Rooted in Personal Experience
Mastantuono’s admiration for Messi is deeply personal. As a young player, he had the rare opportunity to train and play alongside his idol, gaining first-hand experience of Messi’s talent and professionalism.
This exposure enhanced his appreciation not only for Messi’s technical brilliance but also for his mentorship of young teammates. Experiencing Messi’s influence both on the field and in the locker room reinforced Mastantuono’s conviction that Messi is indeed the best.
“He’s amazing. It’s incredible how he constantly surprises us, his teammates,” Mastantuono added.
“I’ve played with many top-level players, but with him, it’s a learning process every single day. I’m grateful for the way he treats me and supports me—it’s been invaluable.”
Looking Ahead
Even while recovering from injury, Franco Mastantuono continues to draw attention not just for his footballing talent, but also for his maturity and honesty in discussing football legends. His experiences with Messi offer fans and pundits a unique insight into the mind of one of Real Madrid’s most promising young stars, and his career trajectory remains one to watch closely in the coming seasons.
