Franco Mastantuono’s Words Capture the Weight of Lionel Messi’s Farewell
The Fiorentina youngster opened up about Argentina’s emotional goodbye to its captain and addressed the uncertainty surrounding Lionel Scaloni’s future.
Argentina is about to enter unfamiliar territory for an entire generation. Lionel Messi is preparing to play his final game for La Albiceleste, and Franco Mastantuono, one of the young talents expected to play a major role in what comes next, admits it is difficult to imagine the national team without its captain.
The Fiorentina midfielder, still only 19, arrived for international duty knowing this camp will feel unlike any other. Argentina will play three friendlies, but everything ultimately points toward October 6, when Messi will say goodbye against Benin at the Estadio Monumental.
“It’s difficult. After Leo, it’s very difficult for everyone because he’s our idol, not just in football. I think he’s an idol for the whole country, and it’s going to be sad without him, but we’re going to have to do it for Argentina and for him,” Mastantuono told reporters.
Life After Lionel Messi Is Getting Closer
Mastantuono’s words carry additional significance because of his place within Argentina’s emerging generation. The young midfielder is considered one of the talents who could help shape La Albiceleste once the Messi era officially comes to an end.
But Mastantuono is not interested in rushing that transition. His comments instead underline just how difficult replacing Messi’s influence will be, especially for players who grew up watching him become the defining figure of Argentine soccer.
Messi will leave behind more than 20 years with the national team, including 207 appearances and 125 goals, a World Cup, two Copa América titles and an Olympic gold medal. His final appearance will come at the Monumental, where members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad are also expected to be part of the farewell.
What Happens With Lionel Scaloni?
Messi is not the only central figure whose future has generated questions around the national team. There is also uncertainty surrounding Lionel Scaloni, with his current contract approaching its end and no extension yet confirmed.
Mastantuono refused to speculate when asked about the possibility of the World Cup-winning coach eventually leaving his position.
“We don’t know anything about that. We’re still enjoying it, which is what’s important now,” he said.
Nico Paz, meanwhile, made his feelings clear about the coach who handed him his senior international debut.
“For me, he is one of the most important coaches, the one who made me debut, and I hope he continues,” Paz said.
Nico Paz Wants to Savor Lionel Messi’s Final Goodbye
For Nico Paz, this international window also carries special meaning. The midfielder knows it could be his final opportunity to share an Argentina camp with the player who defined an entire era for the national team.
“For me it is very special, I am looking forward to enjoying it,” Paz said, adding that he arrived with “the same enthusiasm as always” to represent his country.
Argentina will begin the window against Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 before facing Burkina Faso at the Monumental on October 3. Three days later, the same stadium will host the final game against Benin.
Messi is not expected to feature in the opening two matches and will instead join the group later ahead of his farewell on October 6. For Mastantuono, Paz and a generation that grew up watching the No. 10 lead Argentina, that night will represent more than the end of an extraordinary international career. It will mark the beginning of something Argentine soccer has not experienced in more than two decades: life after Lionel Messi.
Key Takeaways
- Franco Mastantuono admitted it will be “sad” to see Argentina without Lionel Messi, describing him as an idol for the entire country.
- Mastantuono avoided speculating about Lionel Scaloni’s future, while Nico Paz said he hopes the coach stays.
- Lionel Messi will play his final game for Argentina against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental.
