Mastantuono's record hat‑trick fuels Real Madrid's loan gamble

Under the floodlights of Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, 19‑year‑old Franco Mastantuono completed his hat‑trick in the 84th minute as Fiorentina beat Venice 4‑2 on September 11, 2026, becoming the youngest Argentine to score three in a single top‑five European league match in history.

Record‑breaking hat‑trick

Mastantuono struck twice before the interval and added the third goal deep into the second half, accounting for three of Fiorentina’s four goals. The performance made him the youngest Argentine to net a hat‑trick in one of Europe’s five major leagues, surpassing the previous record held by Lionel Messi.

Messi’s benchmark was set in March 2007 when the Barcelona legend, then 19 years and 259 days old, scored three times in a 3‑3 draw with Real Madrid. Mastantuono achieved the feat at 19 years and 28 days, shaving more than eight months off the earlier mark.

Real Madrid's investment

Real Madrid secured Mastantuono from River Plate in the summer of 2025 for a total outlay of €63.2 million, with a €45 million release clause embedded in the deal. In August 2026 the club sent the Argentine on a dry loan to Fiorentina until 30 June 2027, deliberately omitting any purchase option.

During his solitary season at the Bernabéu, Mastantuono featured in 35 matches, started 17 times and logged 1 484 minutes, scoring three goals and providing one assist. The limited game time prompted the loan, as competition for attacking places intensified under successive managers.

Speaking after the victory, Mastantuono said, “It’s an honour to enter the history of such a prestigious club.” He also praised teammate Nicolò Fagioli, adding that the fellow Argentine deserved the Man of the Match award, which Mastantuono received.

Real Madrid remain confident in his potential and expect his return after the loan expires, hoping the regular minutes in Italy will translate into a stronger claim for a place in the Real squad.