Mastantuono Calls Messi Soccer's GOAT, Admits Yamal Superior Now

Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old Argentine winger who joined Real Madrid from River Plate this summer, declared Lionel Messi the greatest soccer player of all time in a recent interview, while candidly admitting that Barcelona's Lamine Yamal currently outperforms him as both adapt to professional demands in Spain.

Mastantuono, who signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid after the club activated his 45 million euro release clause on his 18th birthday in August, shared his thoughts during an appearance on El Larguero. Despite his allegiance to the Spanish giants, he expressed unwavering admiration for the Barcelona legend and Argentina teammate. "I'm a Madrid fan, I'm at the biggest club in the world, but for me the best player in soccer and in the world has always been Messi," Mastantuono said. "And until the day he retires, he always will be." He described training alongside Messi with the national team as transformative, noting how even Messi's teammates remain astonished by his skill. "It's incredible. An admirable player who leaves you speechless every time he touches the ball," he added. "You learn a lot with him."

The young forward's respect for Messi extends to a...