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Zanetti: "Mastantuono is young and will have the opportunity to play in other World Cups"

Javier Zanetti discussed the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal and the young Mastantuono, predicting a bright future for him despite his exclusion from the current list.

Javier Zanetti spoke to MARCA on the occasion of the Champions League final, during a Gatorade 5v5 event. This global initiative aims to develop youth football among children aged 14 to 16. Gatorade 5v5 has opened the doors of soccer to youth around the world, offering competitive and community experiences that promote participation, teamwork and fun. The tournament is part of Gatorade's Fuel Tomorrow initiative, which aims to help 2.5 million teens access sports by 2030.

Question: What is your overall perspective on the final? Answer: I think it will be a balanced final. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal deservedly arrived and both teams have great players, so for me it will be a very balanced match.

Question: Do you have a controlled final or an open match? Answer: I think that at the beginning of the match the two teams will study each other, but then each will try to exploit their strengths and hit their opponent's weaknesses.

Question: It's strange that there are no relevant Argentines in either team. Answer: It's unusual, but these moments happen. However, I think both Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have other great players.

Question: What do you think of the two coaches, Luis Enrique and Arteta? One is more experienced and the other younger. Answer: I believe both are great coaches, credible, with very clear messages. I think their teams reflect their identity and they show it on the pitch.

Question: Do you remember what you did the day before the final won against Inter in 2010? Answer: Yes, it was in Madrid, and I didn't sleep much. For us it was a great opportunity. Especially for me, who have spent my whole life at Inter and being the captain was exciting. Fortunately, I was able to win the match with my teammates and lift the trophy. It's an unforgettable memory.

Question: Did being captain bring more responsibilities? Answer: I didn't sleep much because of what it means to play in a Champions League final and have the chance to make many Inter fans happy.

Question: Was this the most iconic moment of your career? Answer: Yes, in Madrid there were many Inter fans who supported us, and when the match was over seeing Milan dressed in the club's colors was exciting.

Question: How do you see the next World Cup? Answer: It will be a balanced World Cup, with great national teams such as France, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and Germany. I think it will be a good tournament to experience.

Question: Do you see Argentina with the same energy? After a victory it is increasingly difficult to repeat it. Answer: It's very complicated, but I see Argentina ready to defend the Qatar title and be a protagonist. The players are preparing as best they can.

Question: Mastantuono was excluded from the list, what do you think? Answer: Argentina has great players and whoever is left out is always a great talent. Mastantuono has his young age on his side and I'm sure he will have the opportunity to play in other World Cups.

Question: It happened to Del Bosque in 2014. Do you think Lionel Scaloni could also face the same situation? Answer: I don't think so, because there are new additions to the Argentine selection. There are young people who are doing well and Scaloni, being very intelligent, will field the best.

Question: How will you enjoy tomorrow's final? Will you analyze it from a tactical point of view? Answer: As a football lover and passionate about this sport, I hope that not only me, but all the people present at the stadium can enjoy the match in this way.

Question: People say that Arsenal are a defensive team because they score a lot of goals from corners. How do you see this situation? Answer: It's a virtue of Arsenal and if they can exploit it, they certainly will.

Question: And you, meanwhile, participate in this Gatorade tournament with kids from various countries. Answer: I think it's a wonderful initiative, the fact that a brand is committed to something as beautiful as football for children.

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