After initially being left out of the squad, Real Madrid prodigy Franco Mastantuono has received a late call-up to the Argentine national team.
Mastantuono, 18, joined Real Madrid last summer but has found the going tough after an encouraging start.
Pubalgia issues have hindered the young attacker, but form has not been on his side either, despite being given plentiful chances, first by Xabi Alonso and then by Alvaro Arbeloa.
So, his exclusion from the Argentina squad, which was announced a couple of days ago, hardly came as a surprise.
#SelecciónMayor Los futbolistas Franco Mastantuono y Joaquín Panichelli se suman a los convocados de Lionel Scaloni para esta doble fecha. pic.twitter.com/lx9kdHhQO7
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 20, 2026
However, the Albiceleste manager, Lionel Scaloni, has decided to expand his squad further and call Mastantuono up, along with young forward Joaquin Panichelli.
Argentina were initially scheduled to play Spain in the upcoming international break in the Finalissima 2026, but it ended up being cancelled.
The 2022 World Cup winners will now play friendly encounters against Mauritania (March 27) and Guatemala (March 31).
Mastantuono, who has three caps for the Argentina national team, has made 37 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Meanwhile, Nico Paz of Como, who is expected to return to Real Madrid in the summer, is also a part of the Argentina squad for the upcoming matches.