The Most Pointless Trip of the FIFA Break

This international break left plenty of odd stories, but few as strange as Franco Mastantuono’s. The Real Madrid midfielder traveled with Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad all the way to the United States, where they faced Venezuela and Puerto Rico in friendlies — yet he didn’t play a single minute.

The 17-year-old was ruled out due to a muscle overload in his left leg, and the Argentine FA soon announced his return to Spain. What caught everyone’s attention is that just a few days later, Mastantuono was already back in full training with Xabi Alonso at Valdebebas.

From Argentina’s Call-Up to Madrid’s Training Ground

Mastantuono’s case highlights once again the growing tension between clubs and national teams. While Kylian Mbappé played only 82 minutes for France before returning to Madrid, the Argentine teenager crossed the Atlantic without resting or competing — a pointless trip from a sporting perspective.

Inside Real Madrid, the situation wasn’t received well. The feeling was that the player traveled unnecessarily just so Argentina could avoid any medical responsibility if his condition worsened while on international duty.

Back to Valdebebas — Right Where It Started

In the end, Mastantuono returned without issues and is already training normally with Xabi Alonso, ready for the upcoming match against Getafe. The young talent remains one of Argentina’s brightest prospects and a long-term project for Real Madrid, but this episode left more questions than answers.

Between the muscle concern, the transatlantic flight, and the lack of minutes, Mastantuono’s story during this FIFA break became another chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war between clubs and national teams. An unnecessary journey for a player who ended up right where he started — training in Madrid, waiting for his chance to shine.