Argentine manager Lionel Scaloni has handed River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono his first-ever call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifying games.
La Albiceleste will take on Chile and Colombia in June, having already booked their place in next year’s World Cup.
Mastantuono’s inclusion comes on the back of his blistering form with River Plate.
Dubbed the next big thing from Argentina, the 17-year-old attacking prodigy has racked up seven goals and four assists this season.
His stellar rise to prominence has also caught the attention of European heavyweights, including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
PSG are the front-runners to sign the Argentine this summer, having held concrete talks over a transfer.
Mastantuono now has a chance to make more headlines by creating a great first impression with the national team, while also having the privilege to learn from Lionel Messi.
Messi will spearhead a fearsome attack featuring Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister is a notable absentee due to injury, while Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez will lead a talented pack of midfielders including Nico Paz, Thiago Almada, Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Barrenechea.
Defenders Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth and Nahuel Molina have also made the cut.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Valentin Barco has been included following a great loan stint at Strasbourg.
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille) and Walter Benitez (PSV).
Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Lens), Mariano Troilo (Belgrano), Kevin Lomonaco (Independent), Nicolas Tagliafico ( Lyon) and Valentin Barco (Strasbourg).
Midfielders: Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Lyon), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Nico Paz (Como), Leandro Paredes (AS Roma) and Enzo Barrenechea (Valencia).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Franco Mastantuono (River Plate), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid) and Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid).
