Mastantuono Eclipses Messi Record with Hat Trick in Fiorentina Victory

Franco Mastantuono scored three times in Fiorentina's 4-2 win at Venezia, surpassing Lionel Messi as the youngest Argentine to net a hat trick in Europe's top five leagues.

Franco Mastantuono scored three goals to lead Fiorentina to a 4-2 victory against Venezia on Friday, securing the club's first points of the season. At 19 years and 28 days old, the on-loan Real Madrid winger became the youngest Argentine player to record a hat trick in Europe's top five leagues, surpassing Lionel Messi by 231 days. The performance at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo moved Fiorentina into 15th place in the Serie A table while leaving Venezia in last position.

Venezia opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Akor Adams, who utilized a right-foot finish following an assist from American midfielder Gianluca Busio. Mastantuono responded on the half-hour mark, scoring twice in a span of one minute and 38 seconds to give the visitors a halftime lead. These strikes established him as the youngest player in Fiorentina history to score multiple goals in a single match.

Mateo Pellegrino extended the lead to 3-1 midway through the second half with his second goal in two appearances. Mastantuono completed his hat trick in the 84th minute, matching the total number of goals he scored in 35 appearances for Real Madrid last season. Antoine Hainaut added a late consolation goal for Venezia, who remain without a point after four league games.

According to ESPN and The Associated Press, Mastantuono joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan last month after struggling to secure a regular role at the Bernabéu. The former River Plate star previously became the youngest player to debut for the Argentina national team in June 2025, though he was excluded from the 2026 World Cup squad.