Real Madrid star Franco Mastantuono has set club allegiances aside as he named compatriot Lionel Messi as the best player in the world. The young midfielder has been touted as one of the players to replace the Inter Miami superstar after his rapid ascent to the top of European football. Former River Plate youngster Mastantuono was a guest on El Larguero, where he disclosed his admiration for Messi. He pointed out that the 38-year-old remains the best player in the world until the day he retires, and expressed his gratitude at the opportunity to play with him. "I’m a Real Madrid fan, I’m at the biggest club in the world, but for me the best football player and the best in the world has always been Messi and will be until the day he retires. I get to share time with him in the national team and honestly it’s incredible, he’s an admirable player who leaves you speechless every time he touches the ball."It’s very surprising that even his own teammates still get amazed by what he does. It surprises me a lot, and I’ve been lucky to play with many players of incredible quality, but truthfully, being with him means learning every day and trying to copy something he does. You really learn a lot from him and I’m thankful for the way he has always treated me, because he helps me a lot", he said. Franco Mastantuono is one of a handful of players to have sported Lionel Messi's iconic number 10 shirt for Argentina in the past decade. The midfielder wore the shirt in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador in September, becoming the youngest player in his country's history to do so. Mastantuono moved to Real Madrid immediately he turned 18 in the summer, and has been a regular in Xabi Alonso's side this season. The youngster is out nursing a groin injury, one which prevented him from meeting up with Lionel Messi and the Argentina team this month. Real Madrid receive update on Lionel Messi's teammate: ReportsReal Madrid have received an update on the fitness of Lionel Messi's Argentina teammate Franco Mastantuono, as per reports. The youngster has spent the last two weeks on the sidelines with a groin problem, one which kept him from playing for Argentina against Angola. A report from The Athletic (via Madrid Universal) has revealed that Mastantuono's condition is being managed by himself and the club. The youngster is expected to be absent for over a month and return to action before the end of December.Mastantuono was photographed in the Argentina camp in Elche last week as he visited to stay with the team despite his injury. The highly-rated midfielder will hope for a quick return to action in order to help Real Madrid in their quest for major honours.