Realizing his mistake, the young Argentine forward apologized to Messi.
Franco Mastantuono, who has looked up to Lionel Messi since childhood, was thrilled to play alongside his idol from the start of a match for the first time. However, the young forward admitted that Messi got frustrated with him at one point during the game. The Real Madrid forward also explained what happened.
In Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on Friday morning (Bangladesh time), Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier. Messi, scoring twice in his last home qualifier, was once again the hero of the team.
Mastantuono made his Argentina debut last June against Chile, coming on as a late substitute. Against Venezuela, the 18-year-old played over an hour alongside Messi from the start.
At one point, Mastantuono took a shot himself instead of passing to Messi, who was in a better position, and failed. Messi was clearly unhappy with the decision. The young forward described the moment after the match:
“He could have scolded me, but he understood. I apologized.”
Mastantuono began his professional career with River Plate and this season has joined Real Madrid. Playing at the Monumental, his childhood club’s stadium, alongside Messi, has been a dream come true.
“Playing with him was unbelievable. Truly the dream of my life. Being able to play at River Plate’s stadium was incredible. I have always said he is my idol since childhood. I’ve watched his entire career.”
