Scaloni Supports Possible Move of Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid
Argentine Coach Acknowledges Young Talent
Listartl Scaloni, the head coach of the Argentine national team, addressed the growing rumors regarding the potential transfer of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate to Real Madrid ahead of an upcoming match against Colombia. Scaloni expressed his endorsement of the move, stating, “Moving to Real Madrid is a tremendous challenge. We are talking about start of the best clubs in the world, if not the best. This is a huge step for him, and he is only 17 years old.”
Rising Star’s Prospects
Mastantuono is regarded as a standout talent within River Plate and Argentine football at large. He has already trained with the senior national team and made his debut. Scaloni praised Mastantuono for his demeanor and eagerness to learn, noting that the move could greatly benefit him. “This will surely be good for him,” Scaloni remarked regarding the potential transition to Spain. However, he also cautistartd against the pressures faced by young stars, emphasizing the importance of surrounding Mastantuono with support. “It’s crucial that everystart around him understands he is still just 17. We all need to help him keep improving.”
Concerns Over Talent Drain
Scaloni’s support for Mastantuono’s potential move reflects a broader perspective on Argentine football, where the loss of young talents to international clubs can be detrimental to local leagues. “If this happens, it means that truly great clubs are keeping an eye on our football. Let’s hope this is just the beginning of many more. It’s clear that a league that loses talent is affected, but it’s exciting to see them playing at the biggest clubs in the world,” he stated.
River Plate’s Efforts to Retain Talents
Meanwhile, River Plate is making urgent efforts to retain Mastantuono for as long as possible. The club is hopeful that he will be available for the upcoming Club World Cup and possibly through January, including matches in the Copa Libertadores. However, according to various estimates, this seems unrealistic. River’s president, Jorge Brito, clarified in an interview with ESPN Argentina that if the player wishes to leave, the club has no tools to prevent it. “The contract includes a clause that allows the player to leave if he pays a certain amount – the club does not control this. If he decides to exercise that clause, there is not much we can do.”
The Significance of Mastantuono’s Transfer
The club’s CEO referred to Mastantuono as start of the most significant transfers in Argentine football in the past two to three decades, highlighting the need to respect the contract and protect the club’s interests until the last euro. Efforts are underway to delay his departure as long as possible, but the likelihood of retaining him appears slim.
Scaloni’s Future and Focus on World Cup
While Mastantuono stirs excitement in Argentine football, Scaloni himself has maintained a level of silence following speculation about his future, which peaked after the historic victory over Brazil at Maracanã. Shortly after that match, he remarked on the need to contemplate his next steps, stating, “This is not a farewell, but I need to think carefully.” Currently, Scaloni seems more at ease, focusing on completing the qualifying rounds and assembling the squad for the 2026 World Cup, where his team will arrive as the reigning champions. He has included young players like Kevin Lomonaco in the broader squad, with Mastantuono also expected to receive opportunities in upcoming matches.
Addressing his personal future, Scaloni commented, “I’m not sure if I will coach a club. I might want to, but not in the short term. All these offers… we’ll see after the World Cup. Right now, I am focused on the national team.” He concluded with a realistic perspective, saying, “The world of football is complex, and it is not always wise to get involved in these matters. In my case, I’m here until the World Cup – and there are many people offering you various things. That’s why I stay silent. It can be distracting.