Overview

• José Pekerman praised Franco Mastantuono as the player who will “mark history” for Argentina and identified him as Lionel Messi’s heir.
• Lionel Scaloni said Mastantuono’s move to Real Madrid has been positive with strong support from his coach and teammates, and that he is a possibility to feature, alongside Nicolás Paz.
• Ámbito reported the 18-year-old recently joined Real Madrid for about US$72.6 million and has already started two matches.
• Mastantuono debuted for the senior national team in June against Chile and remains under evaluation for immediate World Cup qualifying minutes.
• Pekerman called Messi’s upcoming home qualifier a special, emotional occasion as the captain prepares for his final such match in Argentina.