Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso praises Mastantuono and downplays player's choice of Messi as world's best
The 18-year-old Mastantuono signed a six-year deal with Madrid and said during his introduction last week that he considers his countryman Messi the best in the world.
'It's logical for Messi to be his favorite player,' Alonso said on Monday. 'He's from Argentina and he's left-footed, so it's no surprise to me.'
Mastantuono's praise of a player from Madrid's archrival surprised many in Spain and attracted most of the headlines after his introductory news conference. Some Madrid fans were not happy with the teenager's comments.
Messi dueled with Cristiano Ronaldo for years when he played for Barcelona and Ronaldo — also considered by many the best in the world — played for Madrid. Now, Ronaldo is playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia while Messi is with Inter Miami in the United States.
Madrid already reached a deal to sign Mastantuono but had to wait until the former River Plate player turned 18. The club reportedly paid 45 million euros ($52.5 million) in the transfer.
'The first time I spoke to Mastantuono, I was struck by his personality,' the new Madrid coach said. 'He was 17 then, and he was very sure of himself. He didn't seem at all concerned about making the jump to Real Madrid. That maturity and quality has been evident since he arrived. I know he'll settle in quickly, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.'
ALSO READ | Lionel Messi included in Argentina squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifiers
Alonso added Mastantuono could see playing time in the team's opening La Liga match on Tuesday against Osasuna.
'He'll bring us quality and energy, he's highly committed,' the coach said. 'He's got great drive from a defensive perspective. In the little time I've spent with him I can see that Argentine spirit, he's a warrior, but he's got quality, too. He's a combative player and he's got a beautiful left foot, both from set-pieces and in the final pass. He's got lovely technique and he's very young. We have to guide him, but he's already playing at a very decent level.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Real Madrid vs Osasuna Live Streaming La Liga Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch
Real Madrid vs Osasuna Live Streaming La Liga: Real Madrid kickstart their bid to reclaim the La Liga title from Barcelona with an home fixture against Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. The game will see Xabi Alonso take charge of the team in an official game for the first time since his arrival in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen. The former Spain international was at the helm when they heavily lost to PSG in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup, raising doubts over their preparation for the season ahead. However, Los Blancos have since comfortably won their friendlies, putting four past Leganes in Spain and as many past WSG Tirol in Austria, respectively. For Alonso, the four summer arrivals -- Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono -- are all fit and available for their LaLiga opener. When will the Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match be played? The Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match will be played on Wednesday, August 20 (IST). Where will the Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match be played? The Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match will be played at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. What time will the Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match be played? The Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match will start at 12:30 AM IST. Which TV channels will broadcast the Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match? The Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match will not be broadcast in India. Where to follow the live streaming of the Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match? The Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga match will be streamed live on FanCode App and Website (on subscripting basis).
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Ronaldo Gets Hero's Welcome Where Messi Is Hated As Al Nassr Beat Al Ittihad In Saudi Super Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo got a hero's welcome in Hong Kong, helping Al Nassr win 2-1 in the Saudi Super Cup. This contrasts with Lionel Messi's negative reception last year. Cristiano Ronaldo received a hero's welcome on Tuesday as he played a key role for Saudi side Al Nassr in Hong Kong. This contrasted sharply with the reception Lionel Messi faced last year when he failed to play, turning him into public enemy number one. The 40-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo assisted in a 2-1 Saudi Super Cup victory over Al Ittihad, which featured French veteran Karim Benzema up front. From the moment Ronaldo came out to warm up on the hot and humid evening in southern China, chants of 'Ronaldo, Ronaldo" filled the air, while several pitch invaders attempted to reach the superstar as the match concluded. Every touch of the ball by the Portuguese captain, donned in his iconic number seven shirt, was met with cheers. This warm reception was in stark contrast to the angry reaction Messi received when he stayed on the bench for an Inter Miami friendly at the same Hong Kong Stadium in February last year. Messi's absence led to boos and demands for refunds from thousands of fans who had paid significant amounts to see the World Cup-winning captain play. Although the 38-year-old Messi claimed he was injured, this explanation failed to prevent a dramatic fallout, which resulted in China cancelling two friendly matches featuring Argentina. Some nationalist politicians and media outlets in China interpreted Messi's absence, along with his subsequent appearance at a similar match in Japan, as a deliberate snub. For over 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have competed for the unofficial title of the world's best player, with the Argentine often considered to have the edge in recent years. Nevertheless, both remain immensely popular and marketable, even as their careers approach the twilight. Fans camped outside Ronaldo's hotel in Hong Kong to catch a glimpse of him, with some even booking rooms in his hotel. A museum dedicated to Ronaldo opened in the city last month. Local media reported that Ronaldo was 'emotional" when informed about the local interest, particularly from younger fans, during a brief appearance at the museum. He expressed that the fans' admiration meant more to him than any trophy. Former Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane put Al Nassr ahead before Al Ittihad quickly equalised. Mane was sent off after 25 minutes following a VAR review. Ronaldo had a couple of close chances six minutes before halftime but was thwarted on both occasions, later sending a free-kick narrowly over the bar. He set up the winning goal by breaking clear of the Al Ittihad defence and passing to fellow Portuguese Joao Felix, a new signing from Chelsea, who then scored. As Ronaldo was substituted in the final minute, a young fan wearing a '7 Ronaldo" shirt invaded the pitch but was stopped by security before managing to take a selfie with him. After the final whistle, two more young fans attempted to reach Ronaldo but were subdued by security. First Published: August 19, 2025, 23:57 IST News sports Ronaldo Gets Hero's Welcome Where Messi Is Hated As Al Nassr Beat Al Ittihad In Saudi Super Cup Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
LIVE Real Madrid vs Osasuna updates, La Liga 2025-26: Lineups out; Mbappe, Vinicius start; RMA v OSA, Score, 12:30 AM IST kick-off
Hello! Hello and welcome to Sportstar's live coverage of the La Liga 2025-26 match between Real Madrid and Osasuna being played at the Santiago Bernabey Stadium in Madrid.
