ROMANO OFFICIALLY CONFIRMS: Real Madrid OVERTAKES PSG to sign Argentine prodigy from River Plate – Alonso shocks by declaring: “It’s the MESSI 2.0”

In a major twist during this summer’s transfer window, Real Madrid have outpaced Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign River Plate’s teenage sensation, Franco Mastantuono. As confirmed by trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants are on the verge of landing one of South America’s brightest footballing gems. The club has reportedly reached a personal agreement with the 17-year-old midfielder, triggering widespread excitement among Madridistas.

Romano revealed the update via his official account on X (formerly Twitter), noting that “Real Madrid are very close to signing Franco Mastantuono. An official announcement will be made soon. The race is over, with Real Madrid having reached a full personal agreement with Mastantuono.” The only step remaining is for Madrid to negotiate the payment terms with River Plate, as the Spanish club is attempting to avoid paying the full $45 million release clause.

The emergence of Mastantuono has sparked comparisons to none other than Lionel Messi. The media in Argentina, alongside River Plate fans, have dubbed him “Messi 2.0,” owing to his creative flair, dazzling dribbling, and lethal left foot. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso reportedly played a key role in sealing the deal, personally intervening to push the negotiations forward and persuade the player of Madrid’s long-term project.

Mastantuono’s rise has been meteoric. At just 17, he recently made history by becoming the youngest Argentine player to feature in an official match for the senior national team, breaking Messi’s long-standing record. He came off the bench in a tense 1-0 win over Chile in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on June 5, drawing praise from pundits and fans alike for his composed performance.

River Plate are reluctant to part ways with their starlet so soon. Initially, both the player and the club had hoped to continue working together through the end of the year, particularly with the Club World Cup and Copa Libertadores on the horizon. However, Real Madrid’s urgency—spurred by increased competition from PSG—forced their hand to accelerate talks.

Interestingly, while Real Madrid were preparing to wait until January to formalize the transfer, PSG’s aggressive pursuit of the youngster changed the timeline. The Parisians, still reeling from losing key talents like Kylian Mbappé to Madrid, had hoped to rebuild around future stars like Mastantuono. But in this transfer saga, it was Los Blancos who triumphed.

Madrid’s determination to avoid triggering the €45 million release clause stems from their desire to maintain a healthy financial structure while securing long-term talent. Although the player’s estimated transfer value stands at €18.4 million, Madrid believes Mastantuono’s ceiling far exceeds that figure and are ready to invest heavily in his future.

Xabi Alonso, who recently succeeded Carlo Ancelotti, has wasted no time imprinting his vision on the squad. With young talents like Arda Güler, Endrick, and now Mastantuono joining the ranks, Alonso is spearheading a generational shift at the Bernabéu. Sources close to the coach suggest he views Mastantuono as a potential icon for the next decade.

The Argentine’s breakout moment came during the Superclásico clash between River Plate and Boca Juniors, where he delivered a stunning free-kick goal that silenced La Bombonera. His awareness, spatial intelligence, and deadly left foot have drawn the attention of scouts across Europe, but it is Madrid who will likely call him one of their own very soon.

River Plate, while disappointed to lose such a prospect, are reportedly open to negotiating a structured payment plan with Madrid. This would allow them to retain the player until the end of 2025, ensuring his presence for the Copa Libertadores knockout rounds before he departs for Spain.

The player himself is said to be excited about the move, citing Real Madrid as his “dream club” during early discussions. His admiration for players like Luka Modrić and Jude Bellingham reportedly influenced his decision to prioritize Madrid over other offers, including a lucrative one from PSG.

Despite the comparisons to Lionel Messi, Mastantuono is keen to carve out his own identity. While his style mirrors the Argentine legend’s low center of gravity and quick footwork, he is focused on evolving as a complete midfielder—combining creativity with tactical discipline.

Madrid fans have already begun drawing up dream lineups that include Mastantuono alongside fellow South American prodigies like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo. The club’s strategy of building a youthful core seems to be paying off, especially as they continue to dominate both on and off the pitch.

Though the official announcement has yet to be made, insiders at Valdebebas expect the deal to be finalized within days. If successful, it will mark another coup for Real Madrid’s scouting and recruitment department, who continue to identify world-class talent before the rest of Europe catches up.

This transfer sends a clear message: under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid are not merely looking to maintain their legacy—they’re planning to reinvent it. With Mastantuono likely to be the centerpiece of that future, fans have every reason to be excited for the dawn of a new era.

Stay tuned, as the official unveiling of “Messi 2.0” in Madrid could be just around the corner.