Forget Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid’s shock star tipped to inherit Lionel Messi’s throne
As Real Madrid enters a new era stacked with elite talents like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, it might surprise some to learn that the player tipped to succeed Lionel Messi as Argentina’s next great No. 10 is not one of the club’s global superstars. Instead, it’s a teenage arrival — a quiet, elegant midfielder from a small town in Argentina — who has captured the imagination of scouts, coaches, and even his country’s soccer establishment.
This 17-year-old Argentine sensation, who recently landed in Madrid just shy of his 18th birthday, has been described as the “heir to Messi’s number 10” and likened to Zinedine Zidane for his intelligence and grace on the pitch.
On Saturday, the young midfielder Franco Mastantuono touched down in the Spanish capital, greeted by excitement and curiosity. Although his $52 million release clause makes him the most expensive Argentine signing in history, Real Madrid is not just buying potential. The Whites’ hierarchy reportedly believes they’ve signed a generational talent.
“I’m very happy — I’ve waited a long time for this day. I’m thrilled to be traveling and finally heading to Madrid,” the player said before boarding his flight from Buenos Aires.
The deal was finalized in June, but due to FIFA regulations, the youngster can only be officially registered with Madrid once he turns 18 on August 14. On that day, he’ll sign a six-year contract and begin full training with the first team at Valdebebas.
Discovered in a swarm of players
The man who first recognized the star’s brilliance, Daniel Brizuela, served as the head of scouting at River Plate. He vividly recalls his first glimpse of the prodigy in a youth match in Azul, a quiet town in the Buenos Aires province.
“Within a swarm of children, he made an oriented control and gave a pass that ended in a goal. That’s when I said: this is a child prodigy,” Brizuela told Radio Marca. “The difference wasn’t just in what he did, but in how and when he did it. He’s the prototype of the European footballer. I always said he was a perfect player for Real Madrid.”
Tipped to succeed Lionel Messi
In perhaps the boldest claim of all, Brizuela didn’t just praise the teen’s club potential — he forecasted his national destiny. “I’m sure he will be at the next World Cup. He is the heir to Lionel Messi and his number 10 of the Argentine national team,” said Brizuela.
Already capped by Argentina, the youngster is being molded to take the reins of a soccer legacy that defined an era. Brizuela added, “He likes to be the leader of the orchestra; he needs to have the ball. He has a chessboard in his head. He has Zidane qualities; he’s a fine, elegant player with a white boot.”