Report: Franco Mastantuono snubs Barcelona's Messi ploy for Real Madrid glory

The attacking midfielder, hailed as "an incredible player" by Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez in an ESPN Argentina interview, will join Xabi Alonso's squad in August 2025 for a total fee of 63.2 million euros, covering Spanish tax authorities and AFA Structural Funds.

According to Defensa Central, Barcelona attempted to derail Mastantuono's move to their arch-rivals by enlisting club legend Lionel Messi, who shares the Argentina national team dressing room with the young star.

The report claims Barcelona president Joan Laporta urged Messi and his entourage to persuade Mastantuono to join the Blaugrana. However, the ploy failed, with Mastantuono resolute in his "dream" move to the Santiago Bernabeu, effectively "slamming the door" on Barcelona, per Defensa Central.

Mastantuono, who won the 2023 Supercopa Argentina with River Plate and featured at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, spoke to DAZN last week about his decision. "It has always been a dream," he said. "Any player dreams of playing for River and Real Madrid. The way Xabi Alonso treated me was unbelievable. His words really motivated me to make the jump."

He added, "Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world. All players want to be there."

Journalist Graeme Bailey told United In Focus that Manchester United and PSG were serious contenders, but Real Madrid's intervention, led by former coach Santiago Solari, sealed the deal. "Once Real decided to make their move, they got it done," Bailey said.

Mastantuono becomes Real Madrid's third summer signing, following Spain international defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool for 8.5 million pounds.

Recent X posts from Real Madrid's official account confirmed the transfer, with a statement welcoming Mastantuono and highlighting his "exceptional talent" for the 2025/26 season. Meanwhile, a post from River Plate expressed pride in Mastantuono's journey, wishing him success in Europe.

The midfielder's rejection of Barcelona and United underscores Real Madrid's pulling power, while his words reflect a burning ambition to succeed at "the team that wins the most in Europe." As Alonso's project takes shape, Mastantuono's arrival signals a bold step for Los Blancos in their pursuit of continued dominance.