Mastantuono Scores First Argentina Goal in 7-0 Burkina Faso Rout
Franco Mastantuono struck his first Argentina goal on his sixth senior appearance as the world champions swept Burkina Faso aside 7-0 in Buenos Aires.
The 19-year-old finished in the 57th minute after Leonel Flores released Facundo Medina, whose ball into the area was left by Lautaro Martinez for Mastantuono to apply the finish. Nico Paz and Gianluca Prestianni were also among the young players to score on a night dominated by Argentina.
Martinez had put Lionel Scaloni’s side ahead inside four minutes. His penalty was saved, but the Inter forward reacted quickest to turn in the rebound and set Argentina on course for a comfortable victory.
Burkina Faso arrived with a severely weakened selection after travel problems in Morocco and disagreements involving members of the squad. Several under-23 players were drafted into a patched-up visiting team, and Argentina used their early control to make extensive changes during the second half.
Mastantuono embraces Argentina pressure
Mastantuono said he was delighted to be back in the national side and especially pleased to score.
“I’m very happy to wear the Argentina shirt again,” he said. “To get a goal as well makes it even better.”
The midfielder has faced major attention since emerging at River Plate and moving to Madrid. He said the expectations are significant but insisted he must continue enjoying his football.
“I understand there are enormous expectations around me and I accept that,” Mastantuono said. “But I have to play for myself too and enjoy it. Being with so many experienced players in this team helps me greatly.”
What happens next
Argentina will face Benin in their next friendly, with the match set to be Lionel Messi’s official international farewell. Messi was left out of the squad for the Burkina Faso game so he could be fully rested for the occasion.
After that farewell fixture, attention will return to Argentina’s next generation. Mastantuono will aim to take this international momentum back to Fiorentina when domestic action resumes.
