Nico Paz builds his case for Argentina’s No.10 shirt

Argentina’s most famous shirt awaits a new owner after Lionel Messi’s farewell. However, Lionel Scaloni has not chosen its next wearer.

Nico Paz has entered that conversation through performances, goals and growing influence at Como. His strike against Benin added another reason to follow his progress.

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Nico Paz emerges as a candidate, with no decision yet

Nicolás Paz Martínez is a 22 year old attacking midfielder with Argentine family roots. He was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, on September 8, 2004.

His father, Pablo Paz, represented Argentina as a defender. Nevertheless, the son has built his reputation through creativity further up the pitch.

Despite his Spanish birthplace, the midfielder chose to represent the Albiceleste internationally. That choice connected his European development with his family’s football heritage.

According to Ecuador’s Primicias, Scaloni will decide the shirt assignment later. Therefore, discussion about the Argentina number 10 remains a debate rather than an official announcement.

Como’s official player profile already lists him with that number at club level. However, an international shirt carries different responsibilities within a different team.

Supporters can recognise his potential while assessing his readiness for tighter matches. His candidacy reflects a growing role, alongside the competition he faces for an international starting place for Argentina.

Real Madrid provided the platform; Como supplied the minutes

Real Madrid brought Paz into its academy in 2016, aged 11. He progressed through the youth teams and spent two seasons with Castilla.

Along the way, he collected youth honours and reached the senior squad. Madrid’s transfer announcement records eight official appearances for the first team.

Moreover, his breakthrough included a Champions League goal against Napoli in November 2023. His left-footed strike helped Madrid secure a 4-2 victory at the Bernabéu.

However, one memorable European night did not guarantee a regular starting place. The next step required a team where his development could continue through sustained involvement and responsibility on the ball.

Como signed him in August 2024, opening that opportunity in Serie A. Under Cesc Fàbregas, the move brought a larger role in the attacking structure.

Meanwhile, Madrid’s June 2026 agreement confirmed his stay for the 2026-27 season. At the player’s request, that arrangement preserved Madrid’s buyback option for 2027-28.

Goals and awards strengthen his case in Italy

Paz scored six league goals across 35 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign. Subsequently, Serie A named him its best under-23 player for that season.

His production then increased during the completed 2025-26 campaign. Lega Serie A’s season review credits him with 12 goals and seven assists.

Moreover, the league awarded him its best midfielder prize for 2025-26. Those honours belong to consecutive seasons, showing progress across two different stages.

⏰ 34' Nico Paz se suma a la fiesta de goles y anota la cuarta anotación del partido. https://t.co/hXdfjSF24N
— FUTV (@FUTVCR) October 4, 2026

Doubling his league goals strengthened his influence around the penalty area. However, the attacking figures tell only part of his development under Fàbregas.

The league also recorded 121 shots, including 46 efforts on target. Four goals came from distance, illustrating his threat when defenders protect the box.

In addition, his 69 tackles won showed an ability to contribute without possession. For a Como midfielder seeking greater international responsibility, that balance gives his coach another reason to consider him.

From a debut assist to a goal on Messi’s farewell

Paz made his senior Argentina debut against Bolivia on October 15, 2024. During that 6-0 victory, he supplied an assist for Messi.

Afterward, the captain praised his ability and mentality in comments published by AFA. That recognition offered encouragement at the beginning of his senior international career.

Subsequently, he joined Argentina’s 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, his appearance against Benin placed him inside another major national team occasion.

Argentina won 3-0 at the Monumental on October 6, following a goalless first half. Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring before Paz entered the scoreline himself.

According to the match coverage, Messi supplied the pass for his second-half goal. The captain then completed the victory with a penalty.

Otra asistencia de Messi, pero el protagonismo se lo lleva 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐳. 🤌🏽 Vaya golazo del futbolista del Como 1907. #AD10S #LaCasaDelFútbol https://t.co/GySpGv6qEp
— Movistar Plus Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) October 7, 2026

Consequently, Nico Paz contributed directly to the result on an emotionally demanding night. His finish strengthened the succession conversation, although international consistency requires more than one productive appearance in the national shirt.

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