Real Madrid News
Real Madrid new signing ecstatic after playing with Lionel Messi – ‘The dream of my life’
Last night was a memorable one for Real Madrid new signing Franco Mastantuono as he made his first-ever start for the Argentina national team.
Indeed, the 18-year-old attacking midfield prodigy started for La Albiceleste against Venezuela in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture.
What made it even more memorable for Mastantuono was the fact that he got to do it at Estadio Monumental, the home of his former club River Plate, while sharing the pitch with his idol, Lionel Messi.
Mastantuono shares his feelings after special night
Speaking to the media after the game, Mastantuono expressed his happiness at having gotten the opportunity to make his first start for Argentina, alongside Messi and at his former home.
It must be noted that the former Barcelona captain was possibly playing his final official match for Argentina on home soil, adding more weight to the occasion.
“it was incredible to play with him. Honestly, it was the dream of my life. Doing it on
River Plate’s pitch was incredible,” said Mastantuono.
“I’ve always said it, he’s been my idol since I was a kid. I watched him his entire career and seeing him play the way he did…”
There was a moment between Mastantuono and Messi during the game, when the Real Madrid summer signing combined with his captain in attack, but chose to shoot at goal instead of passing the ball back to him.
Revealing Messi’s frustration after that, the teenager said: “He wanted to kill me, but he understood. I apologized for the play.”
Mastantuono joined Real Madrid this past summer from River Plate and has hit the ground running already, starting two of the team’s three La Liga matches.
The youngster, who named Messi as his idol and the best in the world during his Real Madrid presentation, now got to start his first game for the national team as well. He played for over an hour against Venezuela as Argentina went on to secure a 3-0 victory.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
