Antognoni spots Nico Paz and Mastantuono as future heirs of Messi

Giancarlo Antognoni, in his book titled "A Life as a Ten", describes the unique role of the number ten and identifies two Serie A youngsters, Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono, as potential heirs of Lionel Messi.

The myth of the number ten

Antognoni states that the ten has always been synonymous with those who can invent football, citing from the legendary Diego Maradona to Michel Platini, and including the Italian champions Roberto Rivera, Roberto Baggio, Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero.

In the context of the night of Messi's farewell to the Seleccion, the former playmaker links the Argentine phenomenon to the future of Serie A, recalling that the young Leo has left an indelible mark.

Mastantuono and Paz: the new talents

Franco Mastantuono is described by Antognoni as "a nine and a half or a ten minus", with dribbling and accelerations always aimed at the opponent's penalty area, a constant search for the goal.

Teammate Daniel Bertoni warns that Mastantuono will have to learn not to live solely on dribbling, recalling that the Franchi Stadium has been the ideal stage for Argentine footballers.

Antognoni recalls Messi's journey, bursting onto the scene at River, then establishing himself at Real Madrid and now showing personality even in the purple shirt of Fiorentina, a kit that does not feel heavy but is not easy to wear.

Nico Paz, described as a mezzala and total midfielder, possesses running, dribbling and a shooting power that Antognoni recognizes from his own experience, calling him a true ten.

Paz is a key player at Como under Cesc Fabregas, who arrived from Real with the talent label and, thanks to Fabregas's support, has shown himself to be a special footballer; if he continues like this, he will join the exclusive club of great number tens.