Franco Mastantuono’s international future is once again in the spotlight. Argentina plans to make the former River Plate talent their offensive leader at the U-20 World Cup in Chile, which runs from September 27 to October 19.

However, at Real Madrid, the stance is firm: Mastantuono will not travel. The club sees him as indispensable during this decisive stretch of the season. If he joined the Albiceleste, he would miss up to seven games between La Liga and the Champions League, including the Madrid derby against Atlético. His possible return would only come in time for high-profile clashes against Juventus and Barcelona.

At Valdebebas, they insist it makes no sense to release him now, particularly with a senior World Cup in the summer of 2026, where Mastantuono is expected to feature for Argentina. While the AFA will appeal to the player’s patriotic spirit—something he has often expressed with pride—the likelihood of his participation in Chile remains extremely slim. For now, Mastantuono looks set to be another key piece in Xabi Alonso’s squad as Madrid enters its first big test of the season.

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