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Real Madrid star breaks Diego Maradona record in Leo Messi's No. 10 shirt for Argentina

Argentina faced a 1-0 defeat against Ecuador in their final match of the World Cup Qualifiers on September 9 at Banco Pichincha Monumental Stadium.

The match saw both teams receive one red card each, starting with Nicolas Otamendi walking off the pitch in the 31st minute. Ecuador were left with 10 men in the 50th minute after Moises Caicedo was shown two yellow cards.

As both nations have qualified for the World Cup next year, Otamendi and Caicedo will each serve a one-match suspension and miss their respective opening matches in the competition.

The match against Ecuador also saw Real Madrid star Franco Mastantuono take the pitch for Argentina in the 62nd minute while wearing the iconic number 10 shirt in Lionel Messi‘s absence.

By doing so, Mastantuono broke Diego Maradona's long-standing record to become the youngest player in Argentina to don the No.10, aged 18 years and 27 days.

Previously, Maradona was the youngest to wear the No.10 for the first time ever in 1979, at the age of 18 years, nine months, and three days.

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What did Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni say about Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono?

Back in June this year, Mastantuono became the youngest player in Argentine history to make his debut at the age of 17 years and 296 days. Now, after breaking another record, La Albiceleste’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, shared his thoughts on giving Mastantuono the No.10 shirt and explained,

"[Thiago] Almada was going to wear the number 10, but he couldn't start because we preferred not to risk him in this match. So we gave it to Franco," as per GOAL.

Along with his achievements with the national team, Mastantuono is also doing well in his club career, having joined Real Madrid from River Plate this summer. The 18-year-old star is establishing his place in Xabi Alonso’s squad and has started in two out of Los Blancos’ three La Liga games so far.

Mastantuono will be hoping to earn his third start in Real Madrid’s next league match against Real Sociedad on September 13 at Reale Arena.