Franco Mastantuono has made an emotional admission about Argentina’s coming post-Messi era, calling Lionel Messi an idol for the whole country and explaining how the next generation must move forward.
Mastantuono Makes Emotional Admission About Argentina’s Future Without Messi
Franco Mastantuono has spoken openly about the difficult reality Argentina are preparing to face as Lionel Messi moves closer to the end of his international career.
The 19-year-old arrived in Argentina ahead of the national team’s upcoming friendly matches and was immediately asked about life after the legendary captain.
Mastantuono did not try to hide how difficult the transition could be.
He admitted Argentina will feel Messi’s absence deeply, but insisted the next generation must continue moving forward.
Mastantuono speaks about life after Messi
Mastantuono was asked what it will be like for Argentina when Messi is no longer part of the national team.
His response was emotional.
He said:
“After Leo, it’s very difficult for everyone because he is our idol, not only in football.”
The Fiorentina midfielder then explained that Messi means much more to Argentina than simply being the country’s greatest footballer.
For Mastantuono, Messi is an idol for an entire nation.
‘It will be sad without him’
Mastantuono continued by admitting how strange Argentina could feel without their captain.
He said:
“I think he is an idol for the whole country and it will be sad without him, but we will have to do it for Argentina and for him.”
The message shows the challenge facing Argentina’s younger generation.
They are not simply replacing an important player.
They are preparing for a national team without the figure who has defined Argentine football for more than two decades.
Argentina entering the post-Messi era
Argentina are already beginning to prepare for football after Messi.
The current international window is the first time the squad has reunited since the captain announced his international retirement.
Argentina are scheduled to play Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
Messi is expected to join the squad only for the final match against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental.
That game is planned as his final appearance for the national team.
A huge responsibility for the next generation
Messi’s departure will create opportunities for younger players to take on greater responsibility.
Mastantuono is one of the names expected to become increasingly important in the coming years.
Nico Paz is another young player attracting major attention.
Both players represent a new generation that will have to help Argentina build a future without Messi.
But Mastantuono’s comments show there is no belief that one player can simply replace him.
No simple replacement for Messi
Replacing Messi is almost impossible to describe as a normal football decision.
His influence goes far beyond goals and assists.
He has been Argentina’s captain, creative leader and biggest attacking threat for years
He also became the symbol of the team that finally returned Argentina to the top of world football.
The next Argentina side will therefore need to change as a team rather than search for one direct replacement.
Mastantuono among Argentina’s brightest young talents
Mastantuono has quickly become one of the most exciting players of his generation.
The midfielder is currently playing for Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid and says he is enjoying his adaptation to Italian football.
He told reporters that he feels comfortable and is happy to be playing regularly.
His development could make him an important part of Argentina’s next cycle.
But the pressure surrounding the new generation will naturally increase when Messi finally leaves.
Nico Paz also prepares for Messi farewell
Mastantuono was not the only young Argentina player asked about Messi.
Nico Paz also spoke about the possibility of sharing the captain’s final international match.
He described the occasion as very special and said he wants to enjoy it.
For Argentina’s younger players, Messi’s farewell will be both an emotional goodbye and the beginning of a new responsibility.
Scaloni’s future also creates questions
Argentina are also dealing with uncertainty around coach Lionel Scaloni.
His current contract is approaching its end and his long-term future has not yet been confirmed.
When Mastantuono was asked about the situation, he said:
“We don’t know anything about that. We just have to keep enjoying him. That’s what matters now.”
That means Argentina could potentially face major changes both on the pitch and on the touchline.
Messi changed Argentina’s story
Messi’s international career has included almost every possible emotion.
There were painful final defeats and years of criticism.
Then came the greatest period of success of his Argentina career.
He helped the country win the Copa América and later lifted the 2022 World Cup as captain.
Those achievements completely changed the final chapter of Messi’s relationship with the national team.
He went from carrying years of pressure to becoming the central figure of one of Argentina’s greatest football eras.
The final goodbye is getting closer
Messi’s farewell match against Benin will be one of the most emotional nights in recent Argentina football history.
It will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The game is expected to celebrate more than two decades of Messi representing his country.
For players such as Mastantuono, it will also mark the moment when the future becomes impossible to ignore.
Argentina will soon have to continue without their No.10.
Mastantuono sends message for the future
Mastantuono’s words capture the feeling surrounding the national team.
There is sadness.
There is uncertainty.
But there is also responsibility.
Messi cannot be replaced by simply giving another player his position or shirt number.
The next generation must instead build something new while protecting the standards created during his era.
Argentina must continue for Messi
The message from Mastantuono is simple but powerful.
Messi is their idol.
His absence will be difficult.
And Argentina will never feel exactly the same without him.
But football will continue.
And according to Mastantuono, the next generation now has a responsibility to keep moving forward.
Not only for Argentina, but also for Lionel Messi.
