Argentina youngster Franco Mastantuono has expressed sadness over Lionel Messi’s departure from the national team, describing the prospect of watching the Albiceleste without their captain as an emotional experience. The Fiorentina forward, who is viewed as one of the emerging players expected to shape Argentina’s next generation, acknowledged the significance……
Argentina youngster Franco Mastantuono has expressed sadness over Lionel Messi’s departure from the national team, describing the prospect of watching the Albiceleste without their captain as an emotional experience.
The Fiorentina forward, who is viewed as one of the emerging players expected to shape Argentina’s next generation, acknowledged the significance of Messi’s absence as the world champions prepare to enter a new era.
Argentina are set to begin life without Messi for the first time since 2005, with the 19-year-old Mastantuono expected to take up a role vacated by the football icon.
According to Sportskeeda, Mastantuono admitted that the upcoming international break would be an emotionally charged period for the national team as the players prepare to bid farewell to their long-time captain.
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The teenager has been identified as one of the potential successors to Messi and is expected to play a prominent role as Argentina begin the transition into the post-Messi era.
“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 said.
Currently contracted to Fiorentina, Mastantuono operates in the same position as Messi and will endeavour to establish himself in Lionel Scaloni’s squad following Messi’s departure.
Argentina’s next match is an international friendly against Bolivia on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
