Real Madrid News
Real Madrid new signing set to start for Argentina alongside Lionel Messi – report
Since joining Real Madrid in August, Franco Mastantuono has had a rather rapid ascension to Xabi Alonso’s first-team plans this season.
The young Argentine has started two of Real Madrid’s three games this season, racking up 151 minutes of league action.
Although he is yet to score or assist a single goal this season, the general feedback has been positive and it appears Alonso really trusts the former River Plate prodigy.
Mastantuono set for maiden start for Argentina
Mastantuono’s move to Real Madrid in the summer came against the backdrop of the youngster making his Argentina debut in June.
The then-River Plate star appeared as a late substitute in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Chile in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
Now, as Argentina gear up for matches against Venezuela and Ecuador in the season’s first international break, Mastantuono looks all set for his maiden start for his country.
According to TYC Sports, the Real Madrid youngster is poised to start for Argentina against Venezuela tonight.
Mastantuono is likely to start alongside Lionel Messi in attack. While this could become the youngster’s first start for Argentina, many believe tonight’s game could be Messi’s last on Argentine soil.
Mastantuono, however, will face competition from ex-Real Madrid player Nico Paz for a place in the first team.
It must be noted that Paz remains a candidate to become Mastantuono’s future teammate at Real Madrid considering the fact that Los Blancos hold a cheap buyback clause that can be activated next summer or the one after that.
Following the Venezuela game, Argentina are slated to take on Ecuador on September 9.
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.
