Life after Lionel Messi: Who will be Argentina’s next No.10?

Nico Paz has made a subdued start to his Argentina career, scoring only three times in 13 appearances, and barely got a look-in at the World Cup. This is mainly because he is too similar in profile to Messi.

As an intelligent, technically brilliant No.10 who can open games up in an instant – and also happens to be left-footed – it would be natural for Paz to inherit Messi’s throne. The 22-year-old is already following in his footsteps at Como, having become the youngest Argentine since Messi for Barcelona in 2008 to set up multiple goals in a single Champions League match.

He registered two assists as Como kicked-off their first-ever campaign in Europe’s most prestigious competition with a thumping 4-1 win over RB Leipzig. With a 95 percent pass completion rate, four successful dribbles, and 10 ground duel wins, Paz had a strong case as the best player on the pitch.

Como have gotten used to that since signing Paz from Real Madrid in 2024. He’s been instrumental in Como’s rapid rise under Cesc Fabregas, and could have a very bright long-term future at Real, who will reportedly exercise their option to buy him back next summer.

“Nico Paz has everything,” Fabregas said in August. “He has extraordinary courage, vision and ambition.” Messi has also heaped praise on Paz, claiming he has a “great head” and “understands the game perfectly”, which aptly sums up why he is Argentina’s new great hope.

However, expectations need to be tempered somewhat. Paz has a good eye for goal, but he will probably never be a prolific goal-scorer like Messi; he’s more of a key cog in the system rather than the main man. That might not be a bad thing, though, because he has the creative qualities to help Argentina become a more balanced attacking side, rather than one that so often relies on one man to make the difference.