Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, has recently emphasized the potential of two rising stars, Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid and Nico Paz from Como, as pivotal figures for the national team’s future. Despite not yet securing a spot in the starting lineup, both players are being groomed to play significant roles in upcoming international competitions. In a recent friendly match, Argentina dominated Puerto Rico with a resounding 6-0 victory, showcasing the talents of their established World Cup-winning squad from Qatar 2022. However, the focus is shifting towards integrating fresh talent into the national setup.
Scaloni expressed his confidence in Mastantuono and Paz, stating, “They are important players for us. They’re both left-footed and play in similar positions, though they possess distinct characteristics. We’re still experimenting. They’re young players who don’t currently have a place in the starting lineup, but the idea is to give them minutes. They can surely coexist in the future.” With such endorsements from Scaloni, the duo’s development is being closely monitored as they prepare for more significant roles.
Mastantuono’s Rising Profile
Franco Mastantuono, who recently celebrated his 17th birthday, has been making waves not only with his performances at Real Madrid but also by donning Argentina’s iconic No. 10 jersey during the last international break—a number famously worn by Lionel Messi. Unfortunately, his participation in the recent match against Venezuela was cut short due to a minor muscle strain. However, he has since returned to Madrid and resumed training with the first team, indicating that he is on track for recovery.
Paz Shines on International Stage
On the other hand, Nico Paz has been actively contributing to Argentina’s midfield during this international window. The 21-year-old midfielder played a full 90 minutes against Venezuela and came off the bench for over half an hour in the impressive win over Puerto Rico. His consistent performances have underscored his value to Scaloni’s squad and highlighted his readiness to step up when called upon.
The growing recognition of Mastantuono within the Argentine national team serves as a testament to Real Madrid’s investment in his development. Alongside Paz, who honed his skills at La Fábrica before joining Como, Argentina seems poised to nurture a formidable midfield partnership that could shape its future success on the international stage.
As Argentina looks ahead to its upcoming fixtures, fans will be eager to see how these young talents integrate into a squad already rich with experience. Can Mastantuono and Paz become integral parts of a new era for Argentine football?
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