Dribble Diaries

The Next Big Thing in Football In Argentine football, Franco Mastantuono, just 17 years old, is a sensation.   A €45 million deal could soon be done, putting the River Plate wonderkid on the verge of a major move to Real Madrid, according to rumors. But what makes Mastantuono so special? Why are Europe’s elite clubs scrambling for his signature? 1. Player Profile: Who Is Franco Mastantuono? Age: 17 (Born: August 18, 2007) Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger Club: River Plate (Soon Real Madrid) Market Value: €25M (Expected to rise) Style: Creative playmaker with explosive dribbling Mastantuono is a left-footed attacking midfielder who can operate as a No. 10, winger, or false nine. His versatility, combined with his flair, vision, and composure, has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Bernardo Silva. 2. Key Attributes: What Makes Him Special? A. Dribbling & Close Control (9/10) Elite ball retention in tight spaces He can avoid tackles thanks to his lo...

In Friday's World Cup qualifier, Argentina defeated Uruguay 1-0 thanks to a single player who made the difference. Furthermore, Lionel Messi was not his name. With two South American powerhouses facing off, the Centenario would always be an intense event. Yet, there wasn't much football played because of the tight environment on the field. In the first five minutes of this match, there were just six shots combined, and there were nine more fouls recorded. Naturally, tensions rose, and even with the talent on hand, there was still no goal long into the second half. Then, in the end, a single magical moment—something that typically falls on the shoulders of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi—proved the difference. But because the Inter Miami star was injured, Argentina had to rely on Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez to provide the game-winning goal. Outside the box, the Atletico Madrid starlet gave the ball to his countryman after dancing around Uruguay...

Four players have been called up by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for Argentina vs. Brazil. The new players are goalkeeper Weverton from Palmeiras, defender Beraldo from PSG, and midfielders João Gomes from Wolverhampton and Éderson from Atalanta. Gerson, Alisson, Bruno Guimarães, and Gabriel Magalhães will all be replaced by the foursome. The first two will be suspended after receiving their second yellow card. The Monumental de Nuñez will host Argentina vs. Brazil on Tuesday, the 25th, at 9 PM (Brasília time). Examine the CBF statement. Coach Dorival Jr. called up defender Beraldo of PSG, midfielders João Gomes of Wolverhampton and Éderson of Atalanta, and goalkeeper Weverton of Palmeiras for the Brazilian National Team's game against Argentina on Friday, the 20th, which is part of the 14th round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Gerson, Alisson, Bruno Guimarães, and Gabriel Magalhães will all be replaced by the foursome. The first two will be suspended aft...

Lautaro Martinez, an Inter striker, indicated earlier this week that he expected to finish higher in the Ballon D'Or rankings. Martinez finished eighth in the rankings, prompting conflicting reactions from Serie A supporters who believed he could have ended higher. Today, he scored against Empoli, becoming the highest scoring non-Italian player in Nerazzurri history, cementing his place as a famous character in the club's history. Following the victory over ten-man Empoli, the Argentine spoke with DAZN about the Ballon D'or rankings, saying, as recounted by TMW: "It may be improved. Honestly, I expected more, but I work for Inter and Argentina, and these prizes are not always chosen correctly. I'm getting back into shape; I arrived late. We all strive to give our all on the field; we must continue down this route." Martinez started the season hesitantly, but he has made his mark in recent weeks. He has four goals and three assists in the league so far. He ...

The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers begin on Tuesday evening, featuring a number of high-profile matches. Here's what has happened so far. Colombia avenged their loss in the 2024 Copa América final by defeating Argentina in a World Cup qualifier. Colombia seized the lead in the qualifying campaign, thanks to a well-worked short corner that allowed James Rodríguez to pick out Yerson Mosquera for a thundering header in the area. Argentina had mostly had it all their own way so far. The reigning World Cup and Copa América champions did not have a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes. Argentina did not take long to fight their way back into the game, with Nico González going on a great run before slotting home the equalizer just a few minutes after the restart. However, parity did not persist long. Colombia recovered the lead just 12 minutes later, due to a James penalty, putting the champs behind the eight ball once more. The hosts did not let their advantage slip away again, holding on...

In 2024, the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or looked slightly different. As France Football magazine announced the 30 nominees in batches of five, supporters expected to see at least Lionel Messi's name after his Copa America success in the summer, and possibly Cristiano Ronaldo after his 50 goals for Al Nassr last season. However, neither Messi nor Ronaldo were among the final five players revealed. Ronaldo was less surprising. The 39-year-old had already missed 2023 and struggled to make an impression for Portugal at Euro 2024, demonstrating that the Saudi Pro League is a step below the standard he left behind in Europe. Messi has also left European club football, joining Inter Miami in 2023. He did, however, win the Ballon d'Or that year, as a prize for Argentina's World Cup victory in 2022. His complete exclusion from the list of nominees came as a shock. Messi, at 37, would have been vying for a record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or. Ronaldo has won five, and the pai...

September is the first international break of the 2024/25 season, and for some, it is a season-defining halt. Several stars have received their first calls to their national teams for this month's games, with everyone hoping to make their international debut. Five players poised to make their international debuts this month. Morgan Gibbs White (England) Morgan Gibbs-White is one of four uncapped players in Lee Carsley's inaugural England squad, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder moving up to the senior level. The 24-year-old was a major member of trophy-winning youth teams and will now have the opportunity to impress this month. Gibbs-White has been excellent for Nottingham Forest over the last two seasons, recording ten Premier League assists in 2023/24, second only to two other players. He is the first Nottingham Forest player to be selected for England's senior squad since 1997. The midfielder's ingenuity has been on display again in the early stages of the season...

Real Madrid's transfer strategy has revolved around discovering and signing the greatest adolescents in the world, particularly from Latin America, and it looks that 17-year-old Argentine phenom Franco Mastantuono is the latest to be targeted. However, there have been no discussions between the two teams about him. According to sources in the Spanish city, the 17-year-old has reached an agreement with Real Madrid and has decided to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Further sources suggested that Los Blancos had also made a €25 million approach for Mastantuono, but River Plate President Jorge Brito has dismissed that notion. "I can promise you that there were no negotiations with Real Madrid for Franco Mastantuono. Neither with Florentino Perez, nor with anyone. It was a meeting for different reasons. "The player is very calm and happy at River," Brito told ESPN, as reported by Diario AS. "We believe there is no reason to expedite this process. At 17 years old, he i...

Goalie Gerónimo Rulli is expected to arrive in Marseille on Sunday, the club has informed. After passing his medical exam, the 32-year-old leaves Ajax to join the Ligue 1 team. He is Roberto De Zerbi's most recent addition as the manager works to revamp his team. Rulli played in La Liga for Real Sociedad and Villarreal prior to joining Ajax. He was a member of the Argentina national team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Technical director Alex Kroes of Ajax said, "With us, he has to deal with quite some competition, and we understand his wish to leave." "We hope he has continued success in the Ligue 1 with his career." 

The Argentinian has still to agree on personal terms with the Spanish club, although this is not considered to be an issue. Alvarez's fee of an initial €75 million plus €20 million in add-ons will make him City's record sale, possibly worth £82 million, and a huge profit on a player they signed for £14 million from River Plate. City had intended to keep the World Cup winner, but realised he was their second-choice centre-forward when Erling Haaland was available. Alvarez started 31 league games last season, also playing in midfield, and scored 36 goals in 54 appearances. Over two seasons at City, he scored 36 goals in 103 games and won six trophies, including two Premier League crowns and the Champions League. He will be the second striker signed by Atletico this summer, after Alexander Sorloth, as manager Diego Simeone rebuilds his assault following the exits of Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay. 

West Ham have signed Guido Rodríguez on a free transfer after his Real Betis contract ended. The 30-year-old Argentine international was extensively linked with Barcelona last season, but will instead join the London Stadium. Rodríguez, a defensive midfielder, started his career with River Plate and then played for Tijuana and Club América in Mexico. He joined Betis from the latter in 2020 and played 173 games for the club over four seasons, scoring nine goals. He has 30 international caps for Argentina and was a member of the squad that won the World Cup in 2022, as well as the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.

  The men's football quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympic Games begin on Friday in France. France defeats Argentina to keep home hopes alive. France advanced to the semi-finals against Egypt following a tight and dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina, thanks in large part to Thierry Henry's team's excellent defensive effort. Les Bleus seized the early lead at the noisy Stade de Bordeaux, thanks to an old Crystal Palace connection: Michael Olise's corner was met by a stunning header from his former club teammate, Jean-Phillippe Mateta. Argentina struggled to find their rhythm as the hosts maintained their fast start to the delight of their fans. Mateta nearly turned provider just before the 20-minute mark, sending the ball into the area, but the Argentines scrambled it away. Javier Mascherano's team's first chance came from Kevin Zenón, whose left-footed shot dribbled wide from the right side of the box. Giuliano Simeone had a fantastic opportunity to equal things up...

The 37-year-old has no quick intentions to halt his Argentina voyage. "As I've said before, I intend to continue," he stated Tuesday night following Argentina's 2-0 victory over Canada. "I plan to live day by day without worrying about what will happen in the future or if I will continue or not. It's something I simply live every day. I'm 37 years old, and only God knows when the end will come. Messi scored his 109th international goal, and first in this year's tournament. It was his 14th Copa America match, three short of the record. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner spoke outside the MetLife Stadium locker room, where he announced his retirement after missing a penalty kick in the 2016 Copa America final shootout defeat to Chile. He reversed his decision seven weeks later and has since scored 54 goals in 73 international games, bringing his total for Argentina to 186 as he helped win the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Teammate Angel...

Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 thanks to a masterful performance that earned them a spot in the Copa América final. This is our interpretation of the event. Big players excel on the big stage. Argentina has a roster brimming with quality. Fortunately for manager Lionel Scaloni, even on days when they may not have looked their best, the big stars knew how to perform on the big stage. Despite having only three shots on goal against debutants Canada, goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi were enough for the World Cup holders to win comfortably. These two names, in particular, have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to carry the team for both club and nation. Alvarez's awareness and close-control talents resulted in a smooth opener. The Manchester City star is Argentina's second player to score in both a World Cup and a Copa America semi-final, after Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, even though his first goal took longer than expected, Messi's subtle flick provided insight i...

The Copa América returns, with Argentina taking on Canada and Colombia facing Uruguay in the semi-finals. Before the usual theatrics begin, here are four major questions. Can Messi reach one more final with Argentina? He won both the Copa América and the World Cup. So, what does another final entail for Lionel Messi? Well, it could imply more than you realize. We haven't seen the Inter Miami player play his best football during the competition. Even with the alien-like skills he develops and his influence off the court, his terrible statistics speak for themselves. So far, Messi has zero goals, one assist, and a missed penalty, providing ample evidence that his retirement is imminent. The beginning of a natural finish to an extraordinary career. As a result, this semi-final is even more satisfying. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has previously stated that the 2022 World Cup would be his last. This implies that a second consecutive Copa América final this summer may be hi...

Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 on Thursday as Copa América 2024 began in the United States. Here's what we created from the magic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Holders are up and running. The pressure is most intense on the heads who wear the crowns, but Argentina never expected this. La Albiceleste are the best in the world for a reason, but they had to put in a performance against a tenacious Canadian team. It took Lionel Messi and his teammates 50 minutes to eventually break through their opponents when Julian Alvarez saw the ball fall to him from a tight angle. Argentina will be glad he took the chance after missing several in the first half. On paper, this match should have been easy. Lautaro Martinez's late goal off the bench (aided by Messi) eventually calmed nerves, but if the Canadians had a finishing touch, the outcome may have been different. Regardless, a win is a win, and this polished side excels at it. So the Copa América champions are off and running in their c...

The 2024 Copa América is only one day away, and the next four weeks will be jam-packed with significant matches. Here are the top five finest group-stage games to watch. 5. Peru Versus Canada You might not have thought to add Peru and Canada on this list, but both countries will be looking to make an impression in Group A. Their match on matchday two may result in some pyrotechnics. Peru won the event in its initial year and last advanced to the final in 2019. They may not have the headline-making talents on their roster, but familiarity, competition experience, and team grit work in their favor. Meanwhile, Canada makes its debut and rarely faces CONMEBOL opponents. Can Alphonso Davies and his teammates hold their own after a disappointing World Cup performance in Qatar? Peru and Canada have the ability to take on the Dark Horse tag alongside Argentina and Chile. How things play out against one other (in a match deemed their 'easiest' on paper) may change things up. Peru and...

Copa America 2024, the 48th edition of the world's oldest continental football competition, begins in just a few days. For the second time in its history, the Copa America will be staged in the United States, featuring six CONCACAF countries and ten CONMEBOL components. Here's everything you need to know about the 16 competing teams: ARGENTINA Statistical Record :- Current FIFA ranking: #1 Copa America History:   43 previous participation; best result: Champions (2021, 1993, 1991, 1959, 1957, 1955, 1947, 1946, 1945, 1941, 1937, 1929, 1927, 1925, and 1921). International trophies include two FIFA World Cups and 15 Copa Americas. Tactics:- Lionel Scaloni's transition to a more free-flowing tactical philosophy was credited with helping Argentina win the World Cup. He should be expected to allow his players do their job, thus Enzo Fernandez and Alexis MacAllister will be charged with moving the ball forward. Rodrigo De Paul will perform the dirty work in midfield, Julian Alva...