Overview
- In a YouTube interview with creator Rodrigo Rea, Mario Kempes said Franco Mastantuono needs to show more courage and play with the directness he displayed at River Plate.
- Kempes pointed to Lamine Yamal as an example, saying Mastantuono should keep demanding the ball, take on defenders and shoot even after losing possession.
- He argued the midfielder must "sacrifice himself twenty times more" than Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo to secure his place at Real Madrid.
- The remarks follow whistles for Mastantuono in the recent win over Rayo Vallecano, with his continued starts under Álvaro Arbeloa set against fan discontent and exits in the Copa del Rey and Champions League to Benfica.
- Local reporting notes three goals and one assist in 23 appearances since his move, a return that has prompted questions about his form and, per some coverage, his prospects for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad.