Real Madrid bound Franco Mastantuono becomes youngest debutant in Argentina history

The teenager is on the verge of joining Real Madrid.

The bright comet of River Plate, Franco Mastantuono, had a day filled with celebration that will live on in football history. Earlier, the football community was ecstatic when rumours circulated that the prodigy would join Real Madrid.

Later that evening at the thrilling National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, the 17-year-old took the field for the Argentina national team, taking Thiago Almada’s place in the 84th minute.

Mastantuono made history by becoming the youngest player to ever wear Argentina’s colours in an official match at the age of just 17 years, 9 months, and 22 days.

With that game, the South American side further solidified their position at the top of the qualifying table after a 1-0 win against Chile yesterday.

This accomplishment broke the record held by Adolfo Heisinger, who made his debut against Chile in the 1960 South American Championship at the age of 18 years, 1 month, and 6 days.

But when it comes to all games, including friendlies, the youngest player is none other than the great Diego Maradona, who wowed against Hungary at La Bombonera at the age of 16 years, 3 months, and 28 days.

Although they weren’t competitive matches, other notable players who played for Argentina before turning 18 include Gottlob Weiss (17 years, 8 months, 11 days in 1903), Ernesto Brown (17 years, 6 months, 12 days in 1902), and Jorge Cecchi (17 years, 6 months, 19 days in 1980).

One of Argentina’s youngest players, the legendary Lionel Messi, made his debut in a friendly match against Hungary at the age of 18 years, 1 month, and 24 days.

Argentina’s match against Colombia in the South American World Cup qualifiers at the Monumental stadium looms large as Mastantuono gets ready for another possible showcase. Before a legendary move, will FIFA Club World Cup 2025 be his final dance with River Plate? Only time will tell as the mega club competition draws near.

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