Real Madrid Respond to ‘Transfer Interest’ in Summer Signing From League Champions

Franco Mastantuono is chasing down one of Lionel Messi’s World Cup records in 2026.

Franco Mastantuono’s bright start at Real Madrid has fizzled out. / Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press/Getty Images

Real Madrid reportedly have no intention of offloading Franco Mastantuono, despite interest from a number of European suitors, including reigning Serie A champions Napoli.

The summer signing from River Plate enjoyed a stellar start to life in the Spanish capital. Immediately emboldened by Xabi Alonso’s clear affection, Mastantuono started eight of Madrid’s first 11 matches of the season, keeping Rodrygo rooted to the bench while impressing in a wandering role off the right wing.

Then injury struck. Mastantuono eventually dropped out of Madrid’s squad in November after giving into the pain from a groin injury which had been dogging him for some time. Following a four-match absence, the teenager was afforded just one minute across Madrid’s final five league games of the calendar year partially due to a risk of aggravating the existing injury and thanks in no small part to Rodrygo’s much-improved form.

FREE NEWSLETTER. New SI FC Newsletter Global Embed. Sign Up to Get Informed With SI FC. dark

Sensing an opportunity to pounce on an under-appreciated asset, Napoli were one of “several” European sides credited with interest in Mastantuono by MARCA. Real Madrid’s answer has been swift and definitive: the teenager isn’t going anywhere. Napoli and any other keen suitor weren’t even given the chance to table a formal offer, be that for a loan or permanent deal.

The La Liga giants made Mastantuono the most expensive sale in Argentine soccer history at 18 with the view for a “long-term future.” Alonso is still easing the versatile winger back from his groin issue, which is a delicate type of injury that requires constant monitoring.

Madrid have a general disdain for the winter window. Martin Ødegaard was the last first-team player to either join or leave the club mid-season when he secured a loan move to Arsenal in January 2021. There is expected to be similarly minimal action in 2026—despite some glaring needs—and Mastantuono will have to set about achieving his ambitious goals from within the Spanish capital.

---

Franco Mastantuono Aiming for Lionel Messi’s World Cup Record

Franco Mastantuono (left) admitted that Lionel Messi is his idol. / Juan Mabromata/AFP via Getty Images

Beyond regaining his full fitness and re-establishing himself in Real Madrid’s first team, Mastantuono has some obvious international ambitions. The youngster broke into Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina team over the summer, earning his first cap in June before making his maiden start in September against Venezuela.

Injury has prevented a recall for Mastantuono, who is competing with the likes of Como’s royally in-form Nico Paz—a potential Real Madrid teammate in the near future. On top of the honor of representing the reigning world champions on the global stage, a World Cup call-up would offer Mastantuono the chance to topple one of Lionel Messi’s records.

Should Scaloni not only include the Real Madrid forward in his roster but also hand him an appearance in Argentina’s opening fixture against Algeria, Mastantuono would surpass Messi as the youngest male player to ever appear for his nation at the World Cup.

Still only 18 and immensely talented, there is no reason for Mastantuono to check his ambitions—unless they include leaving Real Madrid, which appears to be increasingly unlikely.

---

Youngest Argentines in Men’s World Cup History

Player	World Cup	Age
1. Lionel Messi	2006	18 years and 357 days
2. Roberto Irañeta	1934	19 years and 67 days
3. Oscar Más	1966	19 years and 257 days
4. Mario Kempes	1974	19 years and 335 days
5. Juan Oleniak	1962	20 years and 29 days

Data via Transfermarkt. Franco Mastantuono would be 18 years and 307 days old for Argentina’s first World Cup fixture in 2026.

---

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS AND RUMORS FROM WORLD SOCCER

feed