Categories: Sports

Real Madrid’s Latest Signing, Lionel Messi Is ‘The Best Player In The World’

At his presentation, 18 year old Argentine Franco Mastantuono, the newest player to join Real Madrid, stole the show by saying that Lionel Messi was the greatest player in the world, a clear allusion to the Barcelona icon.

Add NewsX As A Trusted Source
Add as a preferred
source on Google
Published by Namrata Boruah
Published: August 14, 2025 21:23:54 IST

In their recent acquisition of Franco Mastantuono, an 18 year old Argentine midfielder, Real Madrid has shot up the headlines as the young lad made a splash in his first moments in his new club, especially in his statement at his unveiling. Officially, he signed on his 18 th birthday in Madrid, but Mastantuono described his idol in glowing terms, saying he was Lionel Messi, who “Has always been the best player alive”, fulfilling an impressive assessment considering that Messi was and remains Real Madrid lifetime foe.

Franco Mastantuono’s career 

The son of a football legend, Mastantuono is already history when he became the most expensive recruit of his club after moving to Real with a deal worth of 63.2 million euros, becoming the first Argentine signing, since the departure of Angel Di Maria, in 2014. Expectations are sky high with a resume that includes just over 64 appearances, 10 goals and 7 assists at River Plate and also the honour of being the youngest ever competitive match player, in the history of Argentina.

‘To me it’s always Messi’

He also felt both national pride and pride of humility at his press conference, ‘It is Messi to me. I am argentinian” he said, then added again his determination of staying in Real Madrid and was thankful to coach Xabi Alonso who made that fateful call. He also spoke of his dreams when he was a young boy wanting to fit into the tactical play of the club with an eye on a place in the Argentina team in 2026 World Cup.

Jersey number in Real Madrid

Mastantuono will play under the number 30 jersey(the same number he used in River Plate) and will be automatically registered in Castilla so as to maintain a place in the first team list of Real. He joins Real as part of a tide of summer signings which show no sign of any change in the club tradition of spending big on emerging stars. His mix of technical prowess, bravado and relative maturity means that the arrival of Mastantuono could not only give the team a sports surge, but also something to write home about. Will his approval of Messi bring top aimed publicity or liabilities? It remains to be seen but this much is clear, the newest wunderkind in Real Madrid has himself made a score off the pitch already.

Also Read: Joan Garcia Captures His Barcelona shot!

Published by Namrata Boruah
Published: August 14, 2025 21:23:54 IST

Recent Posts

Dubai Airport Open or Closed Today (March 17, 2026)? UAE Airspace Reopens, Check Emirates Flight Status, Schedule Amid US-Israel-Iran War

UAE Airspace Closure: In a recent update, the United Arab Emirates confirmed that air traffic…

March 17, 2026

17 March 2026 Horoscope Today: What the Stars Say About Your Love, Money, Career & Health? Daily Astrological Predictions For All Zodiac Signs

Check the 17 March 2026 horoscope for all zodiac signs including Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer,…

March 17, 2026

OnePlus Nord 6 To Debut Soon In India: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Chip, 165Hz Refresh Rate And 9000mAh Battery—Check Price And Launch Date

OnePlus is set to launch the OnePlus Nord 6 soon, expected to feature a Snapdragon…

March 17, 2026