Real Madrid News
Why did Real Madrid prodigy wear Barcelona icon’s shirt number for Argentina
Franco Mastantuono’s move to Real Madrid brought the youngster into the spotlight in global football.
While he was widely known even earlier, playing for Los Blancos has made him a household name.
In his short time for Real Madrid so far, the player has left a positive impression showing great composure on the ball, creativity and an attacking threat in the midfield.
Concurrently, he has also been rising up the ranks in Lionel Scaloni’s Argentine national team and was surprisingly handed Lionel Messi’s number 10 kit in his absence during the World Champions’ most recent outing.
Why did Mastantuono inherit the number?
Lionel Messi has been central to Argentina’s plans for close to two decades now but his most illustrious chapter with the national team only came after Lionel Scaloni’s arrival as he conquered not only South America but also the world.
He has been the team’s legendary number 10 and leader on the field.
On occasions of his absence, however, the door is thrown open for the manager to trust a new player with the weight of the shirt and the likes of Paulo Dybala, Thiago Almada and Angel Correa have enjoyed that fortune in the past.
In Argentina’s game against Ecuador last night, Scaloni handed Real Madrid’s Mastantuono that legendary kit, thereby making a massive statement in the process.
The very fact that the coach saw the young talent fitting to take that number sends two messages.
One to Mastantuono that he heavily counts on him in the coming years and another to the world that the Real Madrid star may well be the heir to the crown in the long run.
There is one crucial development
Further, there is widespread speculation that Messi may have even played his final game for Argentina as he is yet to confirm his participation in the next FIFA World Cup.
In such a scenario, Scaloni’s selection makes it all the more clear that Mastantuono is the chosen heir.
Mastantuono has earned the respect and admiration of the coaching staff already and is expected to have a big role to play for the team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup where Argentina will look to defend their crown.
Last night, he played just 28 minutes with the shirt and did not show many signs of nerves as he adapted well to the pressure, although his team did lose 0-1.
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.
