Franco Mastantuono has given Real Madrid another reason to keep a close eye on his development after producing a spectacular performance for Fiorentina in Serie A.
The Argentine teenager was the standout player as Fiorentina cruised to a 4-1 victory over Venezia, scoring all three of his side’s goals to complete a memorable hat-trick.
Mastantuono’s hat-trick was significant beyond the result. At just 19 years and 28 days old, he became the youngest player in Fiorentina’s history to score three goals in a single match.
The forward also achieved a remarkable milestone at international level by surpassing Lionel Messi’s record.
Before Mastantuono’s performance, Messi held the distinction of being the youngest Argentine to score a hat-trick in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The Barcelona icon had accomplished the feat at 19 years and 259 days.
Mastantuono has now taken that record away from his compatriot, doing so more than seven months younger than Messi was at the time.
His outstanding display will inevitably attract attention from Real Madrid, who still retain his registration while he spends the season on loan at Fiorentina.
The Spanish giants will be expected to monitor his progress closely before deciding whether he has a future at the Santiago Bernabéu.
A return to Madrid, however, could prove challenging. Competition for attacking positions remains fierce, with Arda Güler, Yan Diomande and Brahim Díaz all battling for opportunities in similar areas of the pitch. The situation could become even more complicated if Rodrygo returns to the picture.
Despite the crowded competition, Mastantuono’s recent form could force Madrid to reconsider their plans.
The club invested heavily in the young Argentine and is unlikely to dismiss his progress, particularly if he continues producing performances of the quality seen against Venezia.
For now, Fiorentina are benefiting from the teenager’s resurgence. For Real Madrid, his latest performance serves as a timely reminder that the highly rated youngster may still have plenty to offer at the highest level.
