Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reacted after the club’s new signing, Franco Mastantuono, named Lionel Messi as the best player in the world.
During his unveiling on Monday, Mastantuono was asked about his role models, and the Argentine said he had several football stars he looked up to in his career.
He noted that his new club boasts many incredible players, including England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
When pressed to name the best player in the world, the teenager quickly chose his countryman, Messi.
“For me, it’s Messi. I’m Argentine, and for me, he’s the best,” he said.
Alonso addressed the press ahead of Real Madrid’s opener against Osasuna, and the Spaniard was asked if he planned to query the youngster for making such a pick.
He said via All About Argentina:
“Recommendation for what? To tell him who his favourite player should be?” Alonso said.
“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.”
Messi and Mastantuono have played just six minutes together for the national team.
This came in the 1-0 win over Chile in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers earlier this year.
