On-loan Real Madrid star Franco Mastantuono has provided an insight into the emotions with which he was forced to deal in the aftermath of Argentina’s clash with Benin in the early hours of Wednesday.
Midfielder Mastantuono for his part featured off the bench in Buenos Aires, as Lionel Scaloni’s troops sauntered to a 3-0 friendly triumph.
The real show, though, began after the full-time whistle… After two decades lining out in the colours of his country, Lionel Messi officially retired from the international game.
Amid a lavish ceremony on the pitch, the 39-year-old produced a lengthy speech to the fans in attendance, his teammates, as well as viewers across the globe.
The aforementioned Franco Mastantuono was amongst those watching on, looking full of emotion as his country’s greatest-ever player bid farewell to the famed blue and white stripes.
Speaking to the media post-match, the Real Madrid starlet was in turn drawn on precisely what he was feeling during Messi’s address. And the 19-year-old went on to explain:
“I was very emotional because Messi has been my idol since I was a kid. I really love him.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
