'Lionel Messi wanted to kill me – I had to apologise to him for what I did'

Real Madrid wonderkid Franco Mastantuono has claimed that Lionel Messi wanted to "kill" him for shooting rather than passing the ball to the ex-Barcelona legend. The incident, which Mastantuono later apologised for, occurred in a recent World Cup qualifier for Argentina against Venezuela, held at River Plate's Estadio Monumental stadium.

The match was a heavily emotional affair for Messi. The tie is expected to be his last competitive fixture on home soil, with Argentina now qualified for next year's tournament, and the World Cup holders stormed to a 3-0 win thanks to a brace from the iconic star.

The occasion was also a monumental one for 18-year-old Mastantuono, who had the chance to share the pitch with his idol. But it appears theInter Miamistar was short on sentiment when it came to on the pitch matters as he blasted the youngster, who chose to shoot on sight rather than lay the ball off for Messi.

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Speaking after the match, Mastantuono, who was heavily in demand before moving to Madrid, explained: "He wanted to kill me, but he understood me. I apologised for the play."

However, any bad blood was quickly dispelled with Mastantuono hailing the occasion. He added: "It was incredible to play with him. Honestly, it was the dream of my life. Doing it on River Plate's pitch was incredible. I've always said it, he's been my idol since I was a kid."

Such is Mastantuono's worship of Messi's exploits with the national team, the young forward revealed that he has a tattoo that commemorates Argentina's famous World Cup victory over France in December 2022. This is despite the youngster not being involved the tournament.

He said: "I've always said it, he's my idol since I was a kid. I watched him his entire career and seeing him play the way he did."

Ahead of the game, Messi, 38, was joined by his three sons on the pitch and received an overwhelming reception from the 80,000 strong crowd.

Speaking of his final competitive game in his home nation, Messi said: "There are so many emotions. I've experienced so many things on this field. It's always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. I'm very happy. Being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of."

Mastantuono, asked about the highly-charged send off for Messi, said: "It's what he deserves." Mastantuono has since gone to create more history with the national team, after becoming Argentina's youngest ever player in June.

On Wednesday, the youngster wore the iconic No. 10 in the absence of Messi in a 1-0 defeat to Ecuador. In doing so, the teenager became the youngest player in his country's history to sport the legendary shirt.

Messi has cast doubt on his participation in the World Cup, which is to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer. However, Mastantuono will be hoping he gets the chance to defend the trophy with his idol come 2026.

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