Mastantuono ‘sad’ over Messi Argentina farewell, seeks no revenge after Real Madrid spell
VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 11: Franco Mastantuono of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on September 11, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Franco Mastantuono is ‘happy’ at Fiorentina but doesn’t seek ‘revenge’ after a disappointing season at Real Madrid, and he’s ‘sad’ to see Lionel Messi end his international career: ‘He’s an idol for all of us.’
Mastantuono has received a call-up for upcoming Argentina national team friendlies and spoke to Argentine media about his loan spell at Fiorentina.
“I’m doing well; I’m adapting to Italian football, and I’m really happy. I’m getting playing time, and I feel good and happy,” he said via Corriere dello Sport.
Just a few days ago, the 19-year-old became the youngest player in Fiorentina’s history to score a hat-trick, netting three times in a 4-2 win over Venezia.
Mastantuono joined Fiorentina on a dry loan deal from Real Madrid last summer.
“It’s not revenge; it’s a beautiful type of football, different from the Spanish one. I’m having a lot of fun,” he said.
Mastantuono had joined Real Madrid from River Plate in a €45m deal in the summer of 2025 but failed to live up to expectations, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 35 appearances across all competitions.
During his one-year spell at the Bernabéu, Mastantuono collected only 1484 minutes on the pitch. His contract with the La Liga giants runs out in June 2031.
During the international break, Mastantuono will witness Messi’s farewell Argentina game against Benin in October.
“It will be hard; he’s an idol for all of us, not just as a footballer,” he concluded.
“I believe he’s an idol for the entire country; it will be sad without him. But we have to do it for him, who will surely be happy.”
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