Lionel Messi has spent nearly two decades writing his name into Argentina’s history books as one of the greatest to ever wear the national team jersey. Now, 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing Messi in one specific area of international acclaim.
Due to a number of key absences through injury and suspension, head coach Lionel Scaloni surprised fans by calling up several domestic league talents—including Mastantuono. The River Plate prodigy has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top young prospects in Argentina, and his form earned Scaloni’s trust for a historic debut.
With his appearance against Chile, Mastantuono became the youngest player ever to debut for Argentina in an official match at 17 years, 9 months, and 22 days old. He broke the record previously held by Juan Sarnari, who made his debut in the Panamerican Championship (an early version of the Copa América) at 18 years, 1 month, and 22 days.
As for Messi, his official national team debut came in a 2006 World Cup qualifier on September 3, 2005, against Paraguay. He was 18 years, 2 months, and 10 days old at the time, in a game the Albiceleste ended up losing 1-0.
Mastantuono cracks Argentina’s all-time Top 5 debutants
While Mastantuono’s debut came in an official match, his age also places him among Argentina’s youngest-ever debutants overall, including friendlies. He now ranks fifth on the all-time list, moving ahead of Alejandro Débole, who debuted at 18 years and 8 days.
see also
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid reportedly beat PSG to land 17-year-old Argentina wonderkid in $57M deal
Messi, by comparison, ranks eighth. Sitting atop the list is the legendary Diego Maradona, who debuted against Hungary on February 27, 1977, at just 16 years, 3 months, and 28 days—a milestone that remains one of the most iconic in world soccer history.
Scaloni’s 51st debutant as Argentina head coach
Since taking over in 2018, Lionel Scaloni has overseen a generational shift in Argentina’s national team, helping deliver Messi’s first major titles with La Albiceleste. Along the way, he has handed debuts to numerous rising stars—Mastantuono now becomes the 51st player to make his first appearance under Scaloni.
The teenager also becomes the youngest to debut during Scaloni’s tenure, surpassing Facundo Buonanotte, who made his first appearance in 2023 at 18 years, 5 months, and 27 days. The most recent debutants before Mastantuono came in the same match against Chile: Nicolas Paz (20 years, 1 month, 7 days) and Giuliano Simeone (21 years, 11 months, 1 day).
