Nico Paz: The Argentine playmaker identified as Messi’s heir apparent
By Joel Masibo, September 2, 2026Nicolás Paz Martínez has emerged as the heir apparent of Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt after the Inter Miami forward announced his retirement from international football on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Paz is regarded as one of the exciting young attacking midfielders in European football, combining his Argentine heritage with a Spanish upbringing and a football education shaped by one of the game’s biggest clubs.
Born on September 8, 2004, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Paz has built his career from the youth ranks of local football to the academy of Real Madrid and, eventually, a prominent role at Italian side Como.
At 21, the 1.85-metre midfielder already has experience at club and international level, including a FIFA World Cup appearance with Argentina.
From Tenerife to Real Madrid
Paz began his football journey with San Juan, where he played between 2011 and 2014 before spending two years at Tenerife.
His development took a major step forward in 2016 when he joined Real Madrid’s youth system. The Spanish giants provided the platform for Paz to develop his technical ability and understanding of attacking football.
He eventually progressed to Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, where he made 49 appearances between 2022 and 2024 and scored 11 goals.
His performances earned him opportunities with Real Madrid’s first team. Between 2023 and 2024, Paz made four senior appearances for the club, gaining valuable exposure to elite-level football.
A new chapter at Como
In 2024, Paz moved to Como, beginning a new stage of his career in Serie A.
The move proved significant for the young midfielder. Rather than remaining on the fringes of a star-studded squad, Paz found an environment where he could take on greater responsibility and accumulate regular first-team minutes.
By August 30, 2026, he had registered 72 appearances and 18 goals for Como, numbers that underline his growing influence in Italy.
Wearing the number 10 shirt, Paz operates primarily as an attacking midfielder, where his technical qualities and ability to contribute in the final third can be particularly valuable.
Choosing Argentina
Paz’s international story is particularly interesting because he was born in Spain to an Argentine father and Spanish mother.
That background meant he was eligible to represent either country. His international pathway ultimately led him towards Argentina.
He represented Argentina at under-20 level in 2022, making eight appearances and scoring four goals. He was also included in Argentina’s preliminary squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, although he did not make the final squad.
His senior opportunity eventually arrived.
Argentina debut and first international goal
Paz made his senior Argentina debut on October 15, 2024, coming off the bench during a 6–0 World Cup qualifying victory over Bolivia.
The debut was memorable because he provided the assist for Lionel Messi, immediately sharing the pitch with one of the greatest players in football history.
Paz subsequently continued to work his way into Argentina’s plans.
On March 27, 2026, he scored his first senior international goal, finding the net from a free kick during a 2–1 friendly victory over Mauritania.
By June 2026, Paz had accumulated 11 senior international appearances and one goal.
World Cup experience
Paz’s progress earned him a place in Argentina’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
There had been some concern over his fitness after a knee injury scare while playing for Como, but he recovered sufficiently to make the squad.
His World Cup debut came on June 17,2026, when Argentina defeated Algeria 3–0. Paz entered the match in the closing stages, replacing Messi for the final 10 minutes.
His involvement increased for Argentina’s final group match against Jordan on June 27, 2026. Paz started the game and played for an hour as Argentina secured a 3–1 victory.
He did not feature again during the tournament, remaining an unused substitute throughout Argentina’s five knockout-stage matches.
Argentina eventually reached the final, where they lost to Spain, making the ending particularly striking for Paz, given that Spain is the country of his birth.
What makes Nico Paz an interesting prospect?
Paz’s career trajectory reflects a player who has developed in several different football environments.
His early years in Spain gave him a foundation in Spanish football, while his time at Real Madrid exposed him to one of Europe’s most demanding football academies. His move to Como has subsequently offered him the opportunity to establish himself through regular senior football.
His position as an attacking midfielder also places considerable emphasis on creativity, technical quality and the ability to influence attacking situations.
At 21, he already possesses experience of Serie A, international football and the World Cup, a combination that gives him a strong platform for further development.
A player with plenty of room to grow
Nico Paz is still at an early stage of his senior career, despite already having accumulated considerable experience.
His journey from the Canary Islands to Real Madrid’s academy, then to Como and Argentina’s senior team, illustrates how quickly his career has developed.
For Argentina, Paz represents another attacking option emerging behind an exceptionally successful generation. For Como, meanwhile, his continued development could make him one of the club’s most important players.
The next chapter of his career will determine whether he can turn his considerable promise into sustained success at the highest level, seamlessly fitting the shirt left behind by Lionel Messi.