The teenage prodigy who broke Lionel Messi's European hat-trick record
In short: Before he was a global superstar, Franco Mastantuono was a tennis prospect who turned down a professional football offer. Now, at just 19 years old, he has shattered records held by icons like Messi and Saviola, becoming one of the fastest paths from Argentine youth to European dominance.
Mastantuono's journey began with an unconventional detour. Raised in Azul, Argentina, he was initially a national-level tennis player ranked in the top 10 of his category. In 2017, despite being offered a spot in the River Plate academy at age eleven, his family chose to prioritize tennis over football. It wasn't until 2019 that he finally accepted the offer, beginning a meteoric rise through one of Argentina's most prestigious youth systems. His ascent was marked by rapid-fire milestones. In early 2024, he became River Plate's youngest ever goalscorer, surpassing club legend Javier Saviola. By late 2025, Real Madrid triggered a €30 million release clause to sign him on a six-year deal. Moving to the Spanish club happened quickly; at a mere 18 years and 33 days of age during September 2025, he set a new record as Real Madrid's youngest Champions League starter.
The most significant historical shift occurred during his loan spell at Fiorentina in late 2026. On September 11, 2026, Mastantuono scored a hat-trick against Venezia in Serie A. Having reached 19 years and 28 days old, this feat established him as the youngest Argentine to net a hat-trick within a top five European league, breaking Lionel Messi's previous mark. This feat cements his status as a generational talent who transitioned from a local tennis prospect to a record-breaking international star in less than a decade.
The move to Fiorentina was strategic, allowing him to gain first-team experience in Serie A after his rapid debut at Real Madrid. His versatility as a left-footed midfielder—capable of playing as an enganche or forward—has allowed him to adapt quickly to different tactical demands across Argentina, Spain, and Italy.
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