Real Madrid find themselves at the centre of a brewing storm regarding the management of teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono. Despite arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu with a massive reputation and a €45 million price tag last summer, the 18-year-old has suddenly become a forgotten man in the Spanish capital. The situation reached a boiling point following Los Blancos' disappointing 2-1 defeat to Osasuna. head coach Alvaro Arbeloa opted not to use the youngster even as his side chased an equaliser in the dying stages of the match.

Real Madrid wonderkid Franco Mastantuono has been told he must toughen up and show significantly more bravery if he wants to succeed at the Bernabeu. Argentina legend Mario Kempes believes the 18-year-old is currently failing to reach his potential and has urged him to emulate Barcelona rival Lamine Yamal while outworking superstars like Kylian Mbappe to survive at the club.

Franco Mastantuono has hit back at his critics after scoring in Real Madrid’s 6-1 Champions League demolition of Monaco, insisting he is neither the "new Lionel Messi" nor the "worst signing" in the club's history. The Argentine teenager opened up on his difficult start to life in Spain following the victory, revealing he has "not forgotten" the harsh words said about him while issuing a passionate defence of team-mate Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid’s teen sensation Franco Mastantuono has weighed into the GOAT debate and risked the wrath of the Bernabeu faithful by claiming former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi deserves that title, not Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi and Ronaldo have traded titles and accolades at the world’s biggest clubs and at international tournaments for years, but Mastantuono believes his Argentina colleague has the edge as the finest player in history.