Newly signed Real Madrid player Franco Mastantuono praised former Barcelona star Lionel Messi during his introduction on Thursday.
The 18-year-old Mastantuono, who signed a six-year-old deal with Madrid, said he regards his fellow countryman the best player in the world.
«For me, the best player in the world is Messi. I am from Argentina, and I think he is the biggest player there is,» said Mastantuono.
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Messi dueled for years with Cristiano Ronaldo when he played for Barcelona and Ronaldo – also by many considered by the best in the world – played for Madrid.
«Messi meant a lot to Barcelona and with all the Argentines who saw him play,» said Mastantuono. «Real Madrid is the best club in the world and in history. I am here to leave my mark, and what I want the most is that fans of Real Madrid are happy with what I can do on the field.»
Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi is in the United States at Inter Miami.
Mastantuono was 18 on Thursday. He underwent his medical and signed the contract alongside Madrid President Florentino Pérez.
«I never thought I would spend my birthday like that,» said the former river plate player.
Madrid had already closed a deal for his signing, but had to wait until he turned 18. The club reportedly paid 45 million euros ($ 52.5 million) to the transfer.
Mastantuono said that European Champion Paris Saint-Germain was the clubs who wanted to sign him.
«It’s true that a number of teams showed interest in me,» he said. «I was lucky to talk to (PSG coach) Luis Enrique, he was very honest with me and I thank him enormously for the interest. He is a great coach and I think he has shown that this year.»
The first La Liga match of Madrid is at home against Osasuna on Tuesday.
