Credits: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej

Franco Mastantuono Injury Update: Real Madrid Youngster Unable to Play for Argentina, What Happened?

Credits: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej

The international break has ended prematurely for Franco Mastantuono. The Argentina national team has confirmed the injury ahead of their first match of this international break. The Real Madrid teenager will return to Spain after sustaining a muscle overload in his left thigh.

The news comes as a disappointment for both club and country. Especially considering the growing excitement around the 17-year-old’s potential and his recent rise in form for Los Blancos. Mastantuono was among 12 Real Madrid players called up for international duty following their 3-1 win against Villarreal.

🚨⚠️ Franco Mastantuono suffers muscle strain and will return to Madrid after being assessed by Argentina staff. pic.twitter.com/0VXwGL5oCe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 10, 2025

What Happened to Franco Mastantuono?

According to an official statement from the Argentine Football Association (AFA), “Franco Mastantuono will be out for the remainder of the tour due to a muscle overload in his left thigh. Meanwhile, captain Lionel Messi will not be available for Friday’s match.”

The federation also confirmed that Mastantuono would return to Madrid for further medical evaluation. Reports suggest the youngster had been managing mild discomfort since Real Madrid’s last match at the Santiago Bernabeu. Reportedly, the issue flared up during training with Argentina.

Also Read: Kylian Mbappe Injury Update: What Happened to the Real Madrid Star During the France vs Azerbaijan Clash?

Early assessments indicate that Mastantuono’s injury is not completely serious. Hence, his recovery period could be short. Even so, the decision to send him back was made as a precaution to prevent further aggravation. The setback is especially untimely for the teenager and head coach Lionel Scaloni alike.

Mastantuono had recently inherited Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt for the national team. It was a symbolic gesture following his growing reputation. He was expected to play a key role in Argentina’s October friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. But coach Scaloni will now have to adjust his plans.

Also Read: Dani Olmo Injury Update: Could the Barcelona Star Miss El Clasico?

Mounting Injury Worries for Real Madrid

Mastantuono’s injury adds to Real Madrid’s growing list of concerns during the international break. His teammate Kylian Mbappe also limped off in France’s 3-0 win against Azerbaijan. The French star reaggravatrd an ankle problem. Losing both forwards would be a blow to Xabi Alonso’s side.

Especially ahead of a critical run of fixtures. It includes matches against Juventus and Barcelona in the coming few weeks. These absences remind the fine balance Real Madrid will have to strike between nurturing young talent and managing their workloads in a demanding season.

Argentina

El Clasico

Franco Mastantuono

Real Madrid

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.