Real Madrid New Signing Declares Lionel Messi the Best in the World
- Franco Mastantuono surprised fans by naming Lionel Messi as the best player in the world during his Real Madrid presentation
- The 18-year-old joined Los Blancos from River Plate in a €45 million deal, becoming the Argentine club’s most expensive sale
- Before turning 18, Mastantuono had already made 64 senior appearances, with a standout free-kick goal against Boca Juniors
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Real Madrid’s newest recruit, Franco Mastantuono, made headlines at his unveiling, not for his skills, but for a bold statement many Barcelona fans quietly agree with.
Los Blancos sealed a €45 million deal with River Plate in July, and the 18-year-old was officially presented to the Spanish media on August 14.
Before joining Madrid, Mastantuono featured for River Plate at the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States, leaving as the club’s record sale.
Source: Getty Images
Mastantuono Names Messi the Best
Facing the cameras, the Argentine teenager was asked a simple question: who is the best player in the world?
Without hesitation, Mastantuono named his idol — Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and long-time nemesis of Real Madrid fans due to his legendary career at Barcelona.
“For me, Messi is the best player in the world,” Mastantuono said. “I didn’t watch others, like Alfredo (Di Stefano), but I really look up to them.”
The remark spread rapidly across Spanish media and social platforms, transforming his Real Madrid presentation into an unexpected tribute to Barcelona’s greatest icon.
It was a rare admission for a Real player, one that has not always been well-received by the club’s faithful.
Back in 2018, Real’s Federico Valverde had to “clarify a misunderstanding” after seeming to suggest Messi was superior to Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I wanted to clarify a misunderstanding that occurred today on campus, with the children in an interview," said Valverde at the time.
"It was a joke about Messi and Ronaldo because he knows that I am from Madrid and I always bet or fight for Cristiano because he is the best player in the world, it shows every day, match by match.
"I wanted to clarify that and if I had felt a fanaticism for Messi I would never have signed for Real Madrid, I wanted to clarify that and make it clear that they are the two best players in the world, but I will always be on the side of Cristiano Ronaldo."
Source: Getty Images
Franco Mastantuono’s Incredible Rise
Mastantuono will not turn 18 until December, yet he already boasts 64 senior appearances for River Plate.
He became the club’s third-youngest debutant at just 16 years old in January 2024 and quickly earned the trust of his coaches.
One of his standout moments came in April when he scored a spectacular free-kick against fierce rivals Boca Juniors, a glimpse of the talent Real Madrid hopes will shine for years to come.
Haaland, other stars pick Ronaldo as GOAT
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that several players shared their opinions on the ongoing GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the UEFA Champions League.
The two legendary figures have long dominated the competition with remarkable goals and decisive performances.
Erling Haaland, Virgil van Dijk, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Florian Wirtz all expressed their support for Ronaldo as the greatest of all time.
Source: YEN.com.gh
