Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has spoken about the growing influence of Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono and Como’s Nico Paz, two young stars he sees as integral to the national team’s long-term future
— even if they are not yet ready to break into the starting lineup.
Argentina cruised to a 6–0 win over Puerto Rico in their latest friendly, with most of the World Cup–winning core from Qatar 2022 once again leading the way. Yet behind that established group, a new generation is quietly being nurtured, and both Mastantuono and Paz are among the names Scaloni singled out as key to the next cycle.
“They’re important players for us. They’re both left-footed, they play in a similar position, although they have different characteristics. We’re still trying. 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,” said Scaloni.
Mastantuono, who recently turned 17, continues to draw attention not only for his performances with Real Madrid but also for wearing Argentina’s famous No. 10 shirt — temporarily vacated by Lionel Messi — during the last international break. However, the young midfielder was ruled out of Argentina’s recent match against Venezuela due to a minor muscle strain and has since returned to Madrid, where he has resumed training with the first team.
Nico Paz, meanwhile, featured prominently in both of Argentina’s friendlies during the break. The 21-year-old midfielder started and played the full 90 minutes against Venezuela before coming off the bench to play over half an hour in the win over Puerto Rico.
For Real Madrid, Mastantuono’s growing profile with the Argentine national team is further validation of the club’s investment in his development. Between him and Paz, who came through La Fábrica before joining Como, Argentina’s future midfield appears to be in very capable hands.
