Franco Mastantuono described scoring his first goal for Argentina as a moment he had been waiting for, after the national team defeated Burkina Faso 7-0 in an international friendly.
The attacker said returning to the Argentina squad and wearing the national shirt again carried particular significance.
“I am very happy to wear this jersey again,” Mastantuono said. “For me, it has a special meaning.”
Mastantuono was unable to participate in the World Cup, an absence he said had affected him deeply. He added that the disappointment had strengthened his determination to earn another call-up.
“Not being able to participate in the World Cup made me very sad,” he said. “Since then, my main focus has been to train hard and prove myself worthy of being called up again.”
His goal against Burkina Faso was his first for Argentina, and he said it fulfilled a long-held ambition.
“Scoring that goal made me very happy,” Mastantuono said. “It’s a moment I’ve been looking forward to and always hoped to experience.”
The 16-year-old has been under significant scrutiny since beginning his professional career, but acknowledged that the attention comes with expectations around his performances.
“People have very high expectations of me, and I understand that,” he said.
Mastantuono explained that the pressure from outside has been present since he turned professional at 16. He is attempting to place greater emphasis on his own performances while ensuring his contribution matches the needs of the team.
Asked about his preferred position, he said he was most comfortable with the freedom to move across the pitch rather than remaining in one fixed area.
“I like to have freedom, moving between the wings and the center,” he said. “But as long as the team needs me, I can play wherever I’m needed.”
The result gave Argentina a commanding victory in the friendly, while Mastantuono’s goal marked a personal milestone during his return to international football.
