Prestianni From Death Threats by Fans to Leading Argentina to the U20 World Cup Final

Two years ago, a 17-year-old Gianluca Prestianni lived in fear after receiving death threats from Vélez fans. He revealed on social media that he, his teammates, and family had been harassed and even attacked after a loss, which led him to leave Argentina and join Benfica in Portugal.

Now, he’s thriving with Argentina’s U-20 team. In the World Cup semifinal against Colombia, he delivered a decisive assist for Mateo Silvetti’s winning goal, securing Argentina’s place in the final and earning his second straight Man of the Match award.

“We fought for each other — we’re family. The win and the award belong to the whole team,” Prestianni said.

Even when facing hostile Chilean crowds, he remained calm: “That’s football. We speak on the pitch.”

On October 19, Prestianni and La Albiceleste will face Morocco in Santiago, aiming to reclaim Argentina’s first U-20 World Cup title in 18 years.