Argentina is about to find Messi’s successor

Nico Paz, a young talent from Real Madrid currently playing for Como, has emerged as a solution for Argentina as Lionel Messi steps away. This 21-year-old prodigy is considered the future of Argentine football.

If Lionel Messi decides to retire from the Argentina national team before the 2026 World Cup, coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad will face a significant loss, as "there will be no direct successor to Messi." However, Argentina has prepared for this scenario, with Nico Paz standing out as a promising candidate to carry the torch. The 21-year-old rising star, a product of Real Madrid now playing for Como in Serie A, is highly regarded by Scaloni for his potential to lead the national team should the legendary number 10 depart.

Paz was born and raised in Tenerife, where he honed his street football skills from a young age. His father, Pablo Paz, a former Argentine defender who played in the 1998 World Cup, inspired his career path. Real Madrid recruited Paz from Tenerife before he turned 12 but soon recognized his natural attacking abilities suited for a forward role. When he debuted for Real Madrid Castilla in a Champions League win against Braga in 2023, Paz impressed both on the right wing and as a striker, prompting then-coach Carlo Ancelotti to say: "He is a player for Real Madrid’s future."

In the summer of 2024, Paz moved to Como seeking regular playing time, with a buy-back clause from Real Madrid. The presence of Cesc Fabregas as coach has helped Paz develop comprehensively: "Having a legend as a coach is amazing. He helps me gain confidence and play effectively between the lines," Paz shared. In his very first appearance for Como, he made an impact with his technical skills and playmaking ability, especially when called up to the Argentina national team. Paz even assisted Messi’s hat-trick in the 6-0 victory over Bolivia: "The best moment of my career," he said.

In the 2024-2025 season, Paz scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in 30 Serie A matches, establishing himself as one of Europe’s top young talents. Fabregas also commented: "More opponents will pay attention to him, but that’s a positive sign." Scaloni believes Nico Paz is in the best environment for growth and that sooner or later, he will return to Bernabeu. When Messi steps down, will Nico Paz have what it takes to become Argentina’s new leader? This is the question fans are eager to discuss.