Franco Mastantuono spoke about the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi and the World Cup.
Mastantuono is with the Argentina national team in Miami for their two friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The Argentine spoke in an interview with ESPN Argentina, when asked about Lionel Messi, here is what he had to say:
“Leo Messi is the best coach you can have on the pitch. He’s a player who knows what he wants to do on the pitch. I try to help him and my teammates to do it better.
“I’m going to play in the position that the coach wants me to play and where it’s useful. If I have to play as a centre back, I’ll play as a centre back as long as Argentina does well, I have no problem.
“Living football in Messi’s era was a privilege for everyone who watched it and today, being his teammate is the best thing that has happened to me.
“I have admired him my entire life and I still admire him today as a teammate and as a person, above all because he is a humble person, despite having won everything.
“Despite being the best player in history, his humility and what he inspires in people is something that will never be repeated.”
He was also asked about playing at the 2026 World Cup.
“It would be a dream. I’m going to work hard to get to the 2026 World Cup. I’m taking it step by step. I can play there at 18; that would be an incredible dream. I feel very comfortable with the group. It’s my goal to make it to the World Cup.”
He was also asked about wearing the number 10 shirt with the Argentina national team:
“Using the number 10 is incredible. As I always say, wearing Leo’s 10, a number that Maradona also wore, is the best. I didn’t expect it, it was something unique.
“Every time I see a photo of me wearing that shirt, I get very emotional. I went into the locker room, went to my number 21 locker and saw my name next to Julián [Álvarez number 9] and I thought they were messing with me. It was a unique moment.”
“I have the date [of the 2022 World Cup final] tattooed on my body. It’s a way to remember that Argentine national team but especially for the path Leo had to walk to get the title. It was the best thing that could have happened to us. Now having Messi as a teammate is the best. I’ve always admired him. I’ve always dreamed of playing football; I never thought I’d be able to experience all this.”
When asked about where he plays on the pitch:
“I like to play wide right, or in the middle, but I’ll play wherever necessary, even at center-back.
“The difference between Real Madrid and Argentina, in terms of play, is clear. At my club, we strive to be more direct, while with the national team, we play more with the ball, with possession.”
He was also asked about three players who impress him:
“Three players who impressed me? First Leo. Then, Jude Bellingham, he’s a great player who really stood out in trainings. And Julián. I had to suffer against him in the last game.”
