A player in a white and red uniform extends his arms in a stadium full of spectators. — FIFA closely follows the good performance of the young millionaire | La Derecha Diario

Camara — FIFA closely follows the good performance of the young millionaire | La Derecha Diario

FIFA praised Franco Mastantuono and compared him to Messi and Maradona.

Through its website, the world football governing body highlighted River's young player ahead of the Club World Cup

13/05/2025 12:14:00h

Editorial Team

With the Club World Cup just around the corner, FIFA published an article on its website where it reviewed the great left-footed players in River Plate's history, focusing on the present of Franco Mastantuono, whom it compared to legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

A player celebrating with arms outstretched in a stadium.

FIFA highlighted Mastantuono | La Derecha Diario

"He has a different, special aesthetic. The stretched, slender, elegant body. He receives with his foot and the game options seem to multiply. From right to left. With the inside edge or the instep. With the toe or the outside of the boot. Franco Mastantuono, the new promise -figure- of River Plate, 17 years old, has the complete repertoire," begins the text praising the native of Azul.

"Meanwhile, as if blessed by the club's tradition, which will play the Club World Cup starting June 14, 2025, he mainly uses his left leg, probably the strongest symbol of Argentine soccer: the number 10 on his back and the left foot. Like Maradona. Like Messi," the article continues, highlighting his connection with the national soccer mystique.

Two players wearing Argentina jerseys, one in a blue uniform and the other in a white and light blue uniform, both in action with a ball on the playing field.

FIFA compared him to Maradona and Messi | La Derecha Diario

"Mastantuono is the one who stands out the most. He just scored a perfect goal against Boca, from a free kick, in the 15th round of the Apertura tournament of the Professional League. He participated in the South American U-20 with which the Argentine National Team led by Diego Placente secured its ticket to Chile and he will be one of the great faces of the tournament," concludes the note that reviews the most outstanding left-footed players who have passed through the Millonario.

With a view to the Club World Cup, the team led by Marcelo Gallardo will arrive with competitive rhythm, as it will play its last group stage match of the Conmebol Libertadores Cup on May 27 against Universitario de Perú, at the Estadio Más Monumental.

Additionally, the schedule could extend even further if River reaches the final of the Apertura Tournament, whose decisive match will be played on June 1, that is, just two weeks before the start of the tournament and 16 days before the debut against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan.

➡️ Argentina