Mastantuono transforms World Cup disappointment into momentum in Italy

Franco Mastantuono, forward for Fiorentina, confirmed that he feels very good since arriving in Italy, despite being left out of Lionel Scaloni's list for the 2026 World Cup. On Tuesday night, the Argentina national team beat Bolivia 4-0 at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba, and Mastantuono again appeared with prominence. In his interview, the 19‑year‑old talked about the World Cup disappointment and the new opportunity he perceives in the Albiceleste.

From Disappointment to a New Beginning

The former River player admitted that “it’s ugly to be left out of the World Cup list”, but added that he has always encouraged his teammates and Argentina to do well. “They played an incredible World Cup and made all Argentines proud,” he said, highlighting the pride he feels for the team's performance. Mastantuono emphasized that, although the exclusion was painful, he now looks forward with the conviction that he can earn a stable place in the national team.

“A new process begins, I feel good and I can have an opportunity, but above all I want to work for the national team,” the forward affirmed. His speech showed a mix of humility and ambition, indicating that missing the World Cup has not diminished his desire to contribute to the national team's future.

The Impact of the Move to Italy

Since his signing with Fiorentina, Mastantuono attributes much of his development to the confidence given to him by Lionel Scaloni. “He gives me a lot of freedom to play and I’m grateful to him,” he explained, noting that tactical freedom has allowed him to develop his game. The player also praised the atmosphere at the Italian club, saying: “I feel very good since I went to Italy and I changed my life a bit.”

The training photo was captured by GettyImages Jesús de la Peña, recalling the media presence of the young talent. Mastantuono also mentioned that the change of scenery has been key for his evolution, describing Fiorentina as “one of the best places to keep growing.”

Looking Ahead to the Albiceleste's Future

Scaloni included Mastantuono alongside Leonel Flores and Nico Paz in the group of youngsters who must develop without excessive pressure. “He is a talent that must be looked after, like Franco,” the coach said, emphasizing the need to protect the new promises. After the rout, Scaloni praised both Mastantuono and Leo Flores, who debuted for the national team.

The forward recalled his hat‑trick in September against Venezia, which made him the youngest Argentine to score a hat‑trick in one of the big five leagues. With that feat, Mastantuono reinforced his credibility as an emerging striker.

With Lionel Messi absent, Scaloni admitted that “with him the thing changes”, but he trusts that the new generation, including Mastantuono, will be able to contribute to the project. The Albiceleste's next commitments are against Burkina Faso on Saturday, October 3 at 21:00 and against Benin on Tuesday, October 6 at 20:00, both at the Monumental.

The contrast between the disappointment of not being at the World Cup and the good spell he is enjoying in Italy reveals Mastantuono’s resilience, who turns a personal setback into an opportunity to keep growing both at Fiorentina and with the national team.