Real Madrid's new signing aims to take over Messi's number 10 shirt

Young talent Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid recently declared with determination that he is ready to compete for a spot on the Argentina national team, aiming to join his senior and famous captain Lionel Messi for the 2026 World Cup.

Since joining Real Madrid this summer, Franco Mastantuono has delivered impressive performances. The 2007-born player quickly adapted well to the system being developed by coach Xabi Alonso. His successful start with Real Madrid earned him a call-up for the October national team gathering.

However, Mastantuono's ambitions go beyond that. The Argentine player aims to fight for a place at the 2026 World Cup with the Albiceleste. Speaking to ESPN, Franco said: "Participating in the 2026 World Cup is a dream. I will give my all to be part of that tournament. I am taking steps to make it happen. If everything comes true, I could play there at just 18 years old; it would be an amazing dream.

I feel very comfortable, confident, focused, and determined to make it a reality. My goal is to play in the World Cup. There is nothing better than competing alongside Messi at the biggest football event in the world."

So far, Mastantuono has appeared in three matches for the Albiceleste, with his first start in the 1-0 victory over Chile on June 5. With Lionel Messi absent in the match against Ecuador, coach Scaloni gave Mastantuono the iconic number 10 jersey, a moment the young player said he will never forget.

Of course, this number 10 is temporarily assigned by Scaloni to the young player. When Messi returns, Mastantuono will have to prepare for a different shirt number.

Regarding this, Mastantuono admitted he felt wonderful and overwhelmed with emotion: "I can't describe how I feel right now. Wearing the number 10 jersey is incredible. As I always say, wearing Leo's number 10, the same number Maradona wore, is meaningful and a source of pride for every Argentine player. It was something I didn't expect.

It will definitely be a unique experience, and I won’t let Scaloni down. Naturally, I want to keep it (the number 10 on the national team) for a long time, but it’s not easy. To achieve that, I will have to work very hard and give my best.

I must confess that whenever I see pictures of myself in the national team jersey, I get very emotional. I enter the locker room, go to my number 21 locker, but then I see my name next to Julián Álvarez (number 9). At first, I thought they were joking with me. Everything is truly memorable and precious."

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