Franco Mastanuono, just 18 years old, is tracing a singular path in the history of Albiceleste. Its meteoric ascent in club as in selection already places it under the spotlight, despite the overwhelming presence of the two giants that are Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. But the most surprising thing is that he has just achieved a feat that none of the two had reached his age.
Mastanuono, the youngest number 10 in the history of Argentina
Coming into play in front of the equator during qualifications for the 2026 World Cup, Mastanuono became the youngest player to wear the legendary number 10 in Argentina, at 18 and 27 days. A record held since 1979 by Maradona, who had put on this jersey at 18 and nine months old. Even Messi, an absolute symbol of the Argentinian 10, had not been able to beat this milestone. In the absence of the captain, it was Lionel Scaloni who decided to entrust this issue responsible for symbols to the prodigy of Real Madrid.
Trained in River Plate, Mastanuono signed in Real Madrid last summer and quickly integrated into the collective of Xabi Alonso. Already holder several times in Liga, he confirms match after match the expectations placed in him. In selection, he had marked the spirits last June by becoming the youngest international in Argentine history, at only 17 years and 296 days.
A legacy difficult to assume
Ending the number 10 jersey is also carrying the inheritance of Maradona and Messi, with all that that implies in terms of pressure and expectations. Mastantuono seems to be aware of it, and his loved ones recall that he wants to write ” his own story ”, Without getting lost in comparisons. For the moment, he is advancing with rare maturity, supported by Scaloni and a Real Madrid which firmly believes in its potential.
The future of Mastanuono promises to be radiant, but also strewn with pitfalls. Argentina, in search of a transition after the Messi era, sees in it a central figure for the years to come. By beating a record held by Maradona, he sends a strong signal: that of a player capable of registering in the continuity of the greatest. The rest will be played between Madrid and Albiceleste, with a clear ambition: to cross the steps without burning the wings.
