The 10-year-old Messi star got stuck and picked up the Argentinian No. 10: Mastantono and Messi’s wonderful fate!

Franco Mastantono, who was about ten years old, faced the camera and excitedly broadcast the results of opening the FIFA football card pack - when he drew Messi from the Barcelona era, he was filled with joy. He never thought that this idol would become his teammate on the court in the future.

Today Franco Mastantono still has a youthful air. Despite becoming a regular for Real Madrid, he is still just an 18-year-old. When facing the camera, the smile on his face is still as pure as when he drew the Messi star card.

"Messi will take the initiative to create positions for you, even if he just stands there and looks at you, he can let you find the rhythm. He is the best 'tactical guide' you can have on the court. Playing with him is particularly easy because he makes everything easy - you just need to follow his thoughts. I will always pay attention to his running position to match his movements; watching his movements, you can predict what he will do next, and then try to help him and his teammates." In an interview with the media, the Argentine star who is about to play more games for the Argentine national team said this. Currently, Mastantono has played three times for Argentina (against Chile, Venezuela and Ecuador), and playing in the blue and white jersey has been his long-standing dream.

Although Mastantono once said, "If I need to play as a central defender, I am willing, as long as I can help Argentina win." However, he is very clear about his position in this new and old national team. This clear understanding allowed him to unexpectedly receive one of the most important jersey numbers in football history. At first, he even thought it was a joke by his teammates.

"It was incredible. Wearing Messi's No. 10 jersey - a number that has been worn by Maradona and countless other legends - was the most precious experience of my career. I didn't expect it at all: I still get emotional when I see pictures of myself in that game [against Ecuador]. How did I know about it? I walked into the dressing room to pick up the 21 I had worn in the previous game. jersey and saw Alvarez wearing the number 9 and a jersey with my name hanging next to it. I couldn’t believe it and thought everyone was kidding me – but it was true!” Mastantono recalled.

[Unbelievable, but it really happened]

All of this is real, as real as Mastantono’s experience in the Argentina senior national team: sharing the locker room with the World Cup champions who had seen it on TV, and going to the square in Azul with them to celebrate the victory... "It feels like it happened yesterday. I was with my friends at the time, and I was still wearing the same jersey. The excitement was so unforgettable." Mastantono said.

Mastantono knows that in the following FIFA match days, he is expected to play a role in Argentina's defense of the World Cup. "I am just thinking about taking one step at a time. I am enjoying the moment and will try my best to participate in the 2026 World Cup - to be able to play in the World Cup at the age of 18 is simply incredible. I feel very comfortable in this team and can find a sense of belonging. This is my next goal and the direction of my efforts." He looked forward to the future, imagining the scene of playing alongside Alvarez, who he regarded as "one of the best players in the world", and even imagining competing with Messi again - The idol who once appeared on his star card is now his partner on the court.