Franco Mastantuono Joins Argentina Camp Despite Not Being Called Up
Despite not being included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad list for the upcoming friendly, Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono made a surprise visit to the Argentina national team’s training camp in Alicante, where the world champions prepare for their match against Angola.
A Gesture of Commitment to the Albiceleste
At just 18 years old, Franco Mastantuono continues to show why he’s considered one of the brightest young talents in Argentine football. Although a pubalgia injury ruled him out of Argentina’s friendly on November 14 in Luanda, the Real Madrid player traveled with permission from his club to visit his national teammates at the team’s base in Algorfa, Alicante.
The youngster greeted stars like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Julián Álvarez, who are fine-tuning preparations ahead of the final international fixtures of the year. His presence drew attention from fans attending the open training session at Elche’s Martínez Valero Stadium, where the world champions trained in front of the public.
According to sources close to the coaching staff, Mastantuono’s visit was warmly welcomed by both his teammates and coach Scaloni, who views the teenager as a cornerstone of the national team’s future.
Real Madrid’s Young Gem on the Rise
The arrival of Mastantuono at Real Madrid generated enormous expectations, though his adaptation has been gradual. The former River Plate prodigy is still at the beginning of his European journey, and recurring physical issues have slowed his progress, sidelining him from recent games against Liverpool in the Champions League and Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga.
Nevertheless, the Spanish club remains fully confident in his potential. Reports from Valdebebas suggest that the Argentine has been following an individualized recovery plan designed to bring him back to full fitness before the end of the year.
His decision to visit the Argentina camp while still recovering demonstrates his maturity and commitment beyond his age. Within the AFA, he’s seen as one of the next leaders of the squad—a creative midfielder with elite mentality and vision who could soon become a key figure in Scaloni’s next World Cup cycle.
For now, Franco Mastantuono continues to observe, learn, and wait patiently for his next opportunity to wear the Albiceleste jersey—a shirt that many believe will once again belong to him in the near future.
