Lionel Messi’s Argentina will play two matches in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and a rising young star will be joining the squad for the first time.
Next week, the Argentina national team will regroup to play two matches in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing Chile and Colombia. As expected, Lionel Messi will be on the roster—but so will a 17-year-old sensation valued at $45 million.
Franco Mastantuono received his first call-up to the senior Argentina national team this week thanks to his standout performances with River Plate in the domestic league. The left-footed forward has quickly become a key player for the Buenos Aires club despite his young age, catching the eye of head coach Lionel Scaloni, who didn’t hesitate to give him an opportunity.
Mastantuono was born on August 14, 2007, and rose rapidly through River’s youth system, which led to his professional debut in January 2024 at just 16 years and 5 months old—making him the third-youngest player ever to debut for the club.
Since then, he has appeared in 61 official matches, including Argentina’s Liga Profesional, Copa Argentina, and Copa Libertadores. In those appearances, he has scored 10 goals (including a stunning free kick against rivals Boca Juniors this year) and registered 7 assists.
Europe is watching Mastantuono
Franco Mastantuono’s performances have not only earned him a spot in River Plate’s starting lineup and a first call-up to the Argentina national team at just 17—they’ve also drawn interest from some of the biggest clubs in world soccer.
In recent weeks, clubs like Olympique Marseille, Manchester United, and Atletico Madrid have reportedly been keeping a close eye on the Argentine forward. Real Madrid have also been mentioned, although according to TyC Sports, the Spanish giants have, for now, opted not to trigger his $45 million release clause.
Given the current landscape, Paris Saint-Germain appear to be the front-runners to land him. However, River Plate’s intention is to keep Mastantuono at the club to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and to see out the full 2025 season through December.
Argentina’s call-ups
Here is the full list of players called up by head coach Lionel Scaloni to face Chile and Colombia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli.
Defenders: Mariano Troilo, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Valentin Barco, Juan Foyth, Kevin Lomonaco, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Enzo Barrenechea, Enzo Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Giuliano Simeone.
Forwards: Angel Correa, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Franco Mastantuono, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
From: bolavip.com