Franco Mastantuono delivered his most significant moment in a Real Madrid shirt after scoring in Tuesday’s emphatic 6-1 Champions League victory over AS Monaco.
The Argentine teenager opened up after the match, responding to criticism surrounding his difficult start in Spain and insisting he is neither the “new Lionel Messi” nor the “worst signing” in the club’s history.
“Since I was a boy, people have talked about my football; it could be said that I was the new Messi and at the same time a disaster, the worst purchase of Real Madrid,” Mastantuono said in the mixed zone.
“I don’t believe I am Messi, nor do I believe I am the worst signing of Real Madrid. I work for my best version, which I know I can have.”
The midfielder admitted that negative comments have stayed with him but insisted they have helped fuel his development.
“I also heard critics that I haven’t forgotten, which make me improve and stronger,” he added. “Today I was able to let loose a little more and show the version that I want Real Madrid to see.”
Mastantuono also spoke honestly about the challenges of adapting to life in Spain after his move from River Plate at a young age.
“I felt prepared, but it was a new life and that takes adaptation, being very far from my family,” he explained.
Despite the early struggles, the teenager stressed that his mindset has remained positive throughout.
“I never had a bad moment, I have been a happy person who wants to improve and that is what is going to take me to the version I want.”
Reflecting on the wider performance, Mastantuono highlighted the team’s response after a difficult period.
“The personality of the team marked the match,” he said. “We were already thinking as a team to change the dynamic, we were not coming from good results and the personality has made us connect with the people.”
“We have given a version that can be improved but that can lead us to great things.”
The Argentine also used the moment to defend team-mate Jude Bellingham amid recent scrutiny.
“Jude is strong, but there are things that are said that are harsh,” Mastantuono said.
“He is a person who is at Valdebebas from 9:30 in the morning to 6 in the evening. It is ugly that they touch your ego because he works non-stop.”