'He wanted to kill me!' - Real Madrid starlet Franco Mastantuono reveals why he had to apologise to Lionel Messi during Argentina's win over Venezuela

Teen sensation Mastantuono earned just his second senior cap for the Albiceleste when lining up in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Estadio Monumental. Said occasion was an emotional one as it could represent Messi’s last competitive outing on home soil.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was determined to make an impact on such an occasion, with the Inter Miami superstar able to bag a brace in a 3-0 win. He was, however, left less than impressed when Mastantuono opted to shoot rather than pass when another goal was on the cards.

Real wonderkid Mastantuono, who is just 18 years of age, told reporters afterwards of incurring Messi’s wrath and having to grovel for forgiveness: “He wanted to kill me, but he understood. I apologised for the play.”

Ex-River Plate star Mastantuono added on lining up alongside Messi in familiar surroundings: “It was incredible to play with him. It was truly the dream of my life. Doing it on River Plate's pitch was incredible. I've always said it, he's my idol since I was a kid. I watched him his entire career.”

Argentina are already safely through to next summer’s World Cup finals, where they will be looking to defend the global crown that they secured at Qatar 2022. Messi is yet to confirm that he will be gracing that tournament, but the expectation is - fitness permitting - that he will.