Real Madrid Loanee Breaks Lionel Messi's 19-Year-Old Record

With Lionel Messi having retired from international football, Real Madrid could play a massive role in Argentina's success in the coming years.

The Whites are playing a key role in developing two of Argentina's highest-rated youngsters.

Franco Mastantuono, who has been loaned out to Serie A side Fiorentina for the rest of the campaign, and Nico Paz, Los Blancos' highly valued youth academy graduate, who moved to Como on a permanent deal with a buy-back clause.

Paz recently made his Champions League debut for Como in their 4-1 victory over German side RB Leipzig.

The 22-year-old provided two assists in that game while dominating the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

On the other hand, Mastantuono scored a brilliant hat-trick to hand Fiorentina their first league win of the campaign.

The 19-year-old not only lit up the game but also set a new record that was previously held by his nation's hero, Messi.

At just 19 years and 28 days old, Mastantuono became the youngest Argentine to score a hat-trick in one of Europe's top five leagues. In comparison, Messi was 19 years and 259 days old when he scored his first hat-trick for Barcelona.

Unfortunately, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner achieved that feat against the Whites back in 2007, when both sides shared the spoils following a 3-3 draw.

The Whites brought in Mastantuono from River Plate for a transfer fee of around €45 million last summer.

But the teenager featured for only 1484 minutes for the Merengues last season and still managed to score three goals and provide one assist.

With Jose Mourinho coming in as the new manager this summer, he seemingly made it clear that the Argentine won't be a part of his plans this campaign, and the signing of Yan Diomande for a record fee made it more obvious.

The Whites decided to loan their teenage talent to a highly competitive league to maximise his playing time and development. ACF Fiorentina emerged as Mastantuono's most viable destination this summer.

Now, thanks to Mastantuono's brilliant hat-trick, La Viola earned their first points this season and sit 15th in the Serie A table, the same position they finished in last season.

Next up for Mastantuono and Fiorentina is their Coppa Italia fixture against Pisa next week, as they hope to build on their latest league win against Venezia.

Undoubtedly, the teenage winger's dream is to succeed at his parent club. However, with Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz already vying for a starting position, and Rodrygo nearing a return to full fitness, Mastantuono will seemingly have to wait a bit longer for his turn in the Spanish capital.