Benfica winger gets nod from Lionel Scaloni despite recent controversy, as Franco Mastantuono misses out on Argentina squad
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a notable Argentina call-up by head coach Lionel Scaloni ahead of the national team’s upcoming World Cup preparations.
Argentina are set to face Guatemala in a friendly at La Bombonera, as the reigning world champions continue their build-up to this summer’s tournament.
Prestianni’s inclusion comes as something of a surprise given the intense scrutiny surrounding him in recent weeks. The 20-year-old has been at the centre of controversy following allegations that he directed a racist remark towards Vinicius Jr during Benfica’s Champions League play-off clash against Real Madrid.
The incident, which occurred during Madrid’s 0-1 win in Lisbon, led to a lengthy stoppage and sparked widespread debate. Post-match comments from José Mourinho only added further fuel to the situation, drawing criticism across the football world.
Scaloni backs youth despite controversy
Despite the off-field noise, Scaloni has opted to include Prestianni in a 28-man squad that blends youth with experienced heads from the 2022 World Cup winning side.
Suggested Articles
The move to call up Prestianni will likely generate conversations due to the recent Vinicius controversy, but it also signals clear faith from the Argentina camp in the winger’s ability.
Prestianni is a recent arrival in the senior setup, having only received his first call-up in November 2025 and featuring in a friendly against Angola. His continued involvement suggests he remains firmly in Scaloni’s long-term plans.
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the absence of Franco Mastantuono. The Real Madrid winger, who operates in a similar position on the right flank, has been left out despite strong performances at club level.
The squad also includes several notable omissions due to injury. Key figures such as Lisandro Martinez, Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso are all unavailable as they continue their recovery.
With competition for places intensifying ahead of the World Cup, Prestianni now has a valuable opportunity to impress on the international stage. His selection not only highlights his potential, but also places him firmly under the spotlight as Argentina fine-tune their squad for the challenges ahead.