Franco Mastantuono’s dream start at Real Madrid has taken an unexpected turn, leaving his future uncertain and raising alarm within the Argentina national team. The young Argentine midfielder had impressed early on, but recent developments under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa have seen his role diminish sharply.
According to Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo, Mastantuono’s status in the squad changed abruptly after Arbeloa assumed managerial duties. In the first six matches under the new coach, Mastantuono started five times and even scored a goal, consistently playing more than 70 minutes per game — a clear sign of the trust placed in him.
However, the landscape shifted following the clash with Rayo Vallecano. In the subsequent match against Valencia, he was introduced only in the 82nd minute as a substitute. He did not feature at all against Real Sociedad, Benfica (Champions League), or Osasuna, resulting in a dramatic reduction in playing time.
| Match | Opponent | Minutes Played | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valencia | 8 | Substitute |
| 2 | Real Sociedad | 0 | Did Not Play |
| 3 | Benfica (UCL) | 0 | Did Not Play |
| 4 | Osasuna | 0 | Did Not Play |
| Total | — | 13 | — |
This sudden drop has become a source of concern for Argentina, especially with the Finalissima against Spain scheduled for 27 March and the World Cup looming in June. Regular playing time and consistent performance at the club level are crucial for securing a place in the national squad, and Mastantuono’s recent inactivity could prove a serious setback.
River Plate legend Norberto Alonso commented on the situation, suggesting the midfielder might need to seek opportunities at a smaller club to rebuild his form before returning to Real Madrid. “He’s being sidelined. I think the boy might have to go to a lower-tier team, prove himself again, and then perhaps make his way back to Real,” Alonso remarked.
At a club of Real Madrid’s stature, opportunities are limited and competition fierce. Young players are expected to adapt quickly, or risk being sidelined. Mastantuono now faces a critical period where he must regain rhythm and confidence to keep his national team ambitions alive.
For the Argentine coaching staff, monitoring his minutes and form has become essential, as a promising start at one of Europe’s elite clubs no longer guarantees consistent national team involvement. The coming weeks will be decisive for both Mastantuono’s Madrid future and his role in Argentina’s major upcoming tournaments.