Nico Paz’s back‑to‑back goals spark talk of Messi’s heir
While his performances for Como have attracted interest from Europe’s elite, Nico Paz has also become a standout for the Argentine national team, scoring in consecutive matches and earning man‑of‑the‑match honours. His goal against Burkina Faso completed a 4‑0 half‑time lead and followed a strike versus Bolivia, confirming his rising influence.
Olé highlighted Paz’s consecutive man‑of‑the‑match performances, noting the midfielder’s growing influence on both club and country. The publication pointed out that his goal against Burkina Faso capped a 4‑0 half‑time advantage and reinforced his status as a rising star.
Club form fuels European interest
At Serie B side Como, the left‑footed midfielder has become a focal point of their attack. His elegance and mobility have attracted attention from Real Madrid, who reportedly considered signing him again after his recent displays.
National team impact and Messi succession talk
He arrived on the international stage with a goal and an assist in the win over Bolivia, then added another strike against Burkina Faso to seal a 4‑0 half‑time lead. The Burkina Faso goal, a right‑footed finish assisted by goalkeeper Guira, earned him man‑of‑the‑match honours for the second game in a row.
The Burkina Faso tally was his third in thirteen appearances for the Selección, having previously scored against Mauritania in March. His versatility saw him start on the right, cut inside and even finish as a number 9, linking with Enzo and Alexis in midfield.
After the Bolivia victory, goalkeeper Dibu Martínez posted a Foto on social media asking “¿New number 10?” signalling the idea that Paz could become the link between midfield and attack. In recent fan polls, Nico leads the race to inherit the iconic number ten jersey.
Lionel Scaloni trusted him enough to start him in the first two post‑World Cup matches, a clear vote of confidence. Scaloni substituted him at halftime for Matías Soulé, noting that the midfielder had already shown he could take charge.
With Lionel Messi set to retire on Tuesday, the question of who will wear the number ten becomes pressing. Que Lionel Scaloni lo haya puesto de titular en los dos primeros partidos post‑Mundial muestra la confianza en su capacidad para asumir that role.
Hay material para lo que viene, and as the article puts it, we are already in Paz for what lies ahead. The celebration was captured in a Foto by Juano Tesone, underscoring the moment’s significance.