T -shirt number 10 Lionel Messi already has heir in the Argentine National Team. In the absence of the Rosario Astro and the last moment of Thiago Almada, the young man Franco Mastantuonobrand new jewel of real Madridhe stayed with the mythical dorsal for the duel against Ecuador for the qualifiers towards the 2026 World Cup.
At 18 years of age, Mastantuono assumes a historical responsibility: to carry the number they immortalized Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. This will be just his third game with the major, after debuting against Chile and starting against Venezuela in the Monumental.
Although it surprises with its young age, the native of Azul already dressed the 10 in friendlies with the Sub-20. Even José Pékerman had pointed out a few weeks ago as Messi’s natural successor: “He will mark the story and begins to make us understand this other stage,” said the historic coach.
Argentina’s number 10 has had several “custodians” when Messi was not available. Among them are Sergio Agüero, Ángel Di María, Paulo Dybala and Ariel Ortega in their farewell in 2010. Now, the list adds to Mastantuono, who could consolidate as the new great figure of the Albiceleste.
With this decision of Lionel Scaloni, the National Team begins a new chapter: the future is already here and, at least one night, Argentina’s 10 owner.
