Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has brushed aside any controversy after the club’s new teenage signing, Franco Mastantuono, named Lionel Messi as the best player in the world during his unveiling.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mastantuono revealed he admired several football stars, including Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. However, when pressed to name the greatest of all time, the 17-year-old Argentine wasted no time in picking his compatriot.
“For me, it’s Messi. I’m Argentine, and for me, he’s the best,” Mastantuono declared.
Ahead of Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna, Alonso was asked if he intended to “correct” the youngster for favouring Messi over a Madrid icon. The coach, however, dismissed the notion.
“Recommendation for what? To tell him who his favourite player should be?” Alonso replied.
“No, look, I can see the logic in his favourite player being Lionel Messi. Being Argentine, being left-footed — it’s no surprise to me.”
Mastantuono, who has already shared the pitch with Messi for six minutes in Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile earlier this year, joins Madrid as one of the most exciting young prospects in world football.
Alonso’s calm response appears to have ended any debate over the teenager’s admiration for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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