Franco Mastantuono recently shared his insights on El Larguero (Cadena SER), touching on several intriguing topics, including Vinícius Jr.’s recent emotional display during El Clásico, his admiration for Lionel Messi, and the burgeoning rivalry with Lamine Yamal.
The Argentine prodigy addressed the fallout from Vinícius Jr.’s controversial exit during the heated match against Barcelona. “He apologized to everyone,” Mastantuono emphasized, highlighting the unity within the team. “When he left, it obviously wasn’t the right way to do it. He apologized to Xabi and everyone in the locker room. We’re a team; we’re all one.” He praised Vinícius not just for his talent but also for his character, stating, “He’s an incredible person who spreads joy. Yes, he gets angry like we all do, but he quickly acknowledged that. He knows he’s very important to the team; he’s one of the captains.”
Mastantuono’s Admiration for Messi
Turning to the topic of Lionel Messi, Mastantuono did not hold back in expressing his reverence for the footballing icon. “For me, he’s the best player in the world until he retires,” he declared emphatically. “I’m at the biggest club in the world, but Messi is simply unparalleled.” His experiences with Messi while playing for the national team have left a lasting impression on him: “He leaves you speechless every time he touches the ball. I appreciate how he’s always treated me.”
Rivalry with Lamine Yamal
The young forward also addressed comparisons with Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal. “Today, he’s better,” Mastantuono stated candidly. “I don’t like comparisons, but having rivals of Lamine’s caliber motivates you to be even better.” When pressed on who is currently ahead in their careers, he admitted, “Today, Lamine is showing an incredible level. I just arrived at Madrid and am still adapting; hopefully, it will be a very long story to tell.”
Mbappé vs. Julián Álvarez
Mastantuono was also asked about two other footballing giants: Kylian Mbappé and Julián Álvarez. His response was diplomatic yet insightful: “I’d choose both.” He lauded Julián as one of the best players globally, praising his intelligence and selflessness on the pitch. In contrast, he described Mbappé as a natural goalscorer who is undoubtedly among the elite in football today: “If he’s not the best player in the world today, he’s certainly the second best.”
Mastantuono’s reflections reveal not only his respect for established stars but also his ambition as he embarks on his journey with Real Madrid. As fans eagerly await his contributions on the field, one question lingers: Can he carve out a legacy that stands alongside these legends?


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