In the glittering lights of Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026, Lionel Messi etched another chapter into his legendary career by scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick. Argentina dismantled Algeria 3-0, and as the 38-year-old icon received a thunderous ovation while leaving the pitch, a new face stepped onto the hallowed turf. That player was 21-year-old Nicolás Paz Martínez — affectionately dubbed by many as Argentina’s “Next Messi.” His brief but symbolic World Cup debut marked not just a personal milestone but a potential turning point for the Albiceleste’s future.
Born on September 8, 2004, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, Nico Paz’s story is one of heritage, talent, and destiny. His father, Pablo Paz, was a solid Argentine international defender who featured in the 1998 World Cup in France alongside legends like Gabriel Batistuta, Diego Simeone, and Javier Zanetti. Pablo also won silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Growing up in a football-centric household, young Nico was destined for greatness, though his path took an unexpected route through Spanish youth systems before fully embracing his Argentine roots.
Nico initially followed in his father’s footsteps as a defender in local neighborhood clubs. However, his exceptional technical ability soon saw coaches push him into more advanced roles — first as a striker, then winger, and finally as a creative attacking midfielder. By age 12 in 2016, Real Madrid came calling. The club invited him to join La Fábrica, their famed academy responsible for producing stars like Iker Casillas, Raúl González, and Vinícius Júnior. The move to Madrid was life-changing. Nico thrived under the pressure, climbing through every youth category with remarkable poise.
His big moment arrived on November 29, 2023. In a UEFA Champions League clash against Napoli at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the score tied at 2-2, Carlo Ancelotti — known for his caution with youngsters — threw the 19-year-old into the fray in the 64th minute. Minutes later, Paz received the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner. Real Madrid won 4-2, and the football world took notice. Toni Kroos had reportedly praised the teenager during training, calling him exceptionally strong — high praise from a midfield maestro.
Despite his promise, opportunities at Real Madrid were limited due to a stacked midfield featuring Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde. In a smart business move, Los Blancos sold Paz to newly promoted Serie A side Como for just €6.3 million in 2024, while inserting a lucrative buyback clause. At Como, under the guidance of manager Cesc Fàbregas — a longtime friend of Lionel Messi from their Barcelona youth days — Paz exploded onto the scene.
In the 2025/26 Serie A season, the young Argentine delivered a masterclass: 35 appearances, 12 goals, 6 assists, and consistently high performance ratings around 7.67. He played a pivotal role in Como’s historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League. His creativity, vision, ball-carrying ability, and eye for goal earned him recognition as Serie A’s best midfielder and best under-23 player. Francesco Totti, a legendary No. 10, singled him out: “Nico Paz has what it takes to become one of the best players in the world.” Market value estimates now hover between €60-80 million.
What makes Paz’s journey even more compelling is his international choice. Born and developed in Spain, he held dual nationality and could have represented La Roja. Spain’s federation assumed he would commit to them. Instead, Argentina acted decisively. In 2022, at just 17 and before his professional breakthrough, Javier Mascherano called him into the U-20 setup. Argentina nurtured the relationship early, appealing to his cultural and familial ties. Paz explained his decision simply: “I believe it is the country that best represents me because of how football is lived there and because of my father. It is a pride to follow in his footsteps.”
He made his senior debut for Argentina in October 2024, assisting Messi in a 6-0 World Cup qualifier thrashing of Bolivia. Messi later praised him effusively in a press conference, highlighting his quality, football intelligence, and “extraordinary head.” It felt like a public endorsement — a succession plan in motion.
Paz’s World Cup debut was brief — around 10 minutes against Algeria — but profoundly symbolic. As Messi exited after his historic hat-trick, the torch was visually passed. Nico became the first player to represent Argentina at a World Cup without ever playing club football in his ancestral homeland, adding another unique layer to his story.
Later in the tournament, Paz earned his first World Cup start against Jordan, impressing with composure on the ball. He completed 94% of his passes (50/53), delivered accurate long balls, completed successful dribbles, and contributed defensively with recoveries — all while playing 61 minutes in a 3-1 victory. These performances, even in limited cameos, showcased his readiness for the big stage.
Off the pitch, Real Madrid activated their buyback clause for around €10 million earlier in 2026, underlining their long-term faith. Negotiations with Como for a potential resale or loan-back arrangement continue, reflecting the high-stakes world of modern football transfers.
At 1.85m tall with a preferred left foot, Paz brings a blend of physicality, elegance, and creativity that evokes comparisons to great No. 10s, though he carves his own identity. His ability to control tempo, find killer passes, and contribute goals makes him a complete modern midfielder. As Argentina navigates the 2026 tournament — defending their 2022 crown with Messi still inspirational — Paz represents the bridge to the post-Messi era.
Football fans worldwide are buzzing. Is Nico Paz truly the heir apparent? While no one can replicate Messi’s genius, Paz possesses the tools, mentality, and pedigree to lead Argentina for the next decade or more. His father Pablo watched proudly from the stands, emotional at seeing his son follow the family legacy on football’s grandest stage.
The 2026 World Cup has already delivered unforgettable moments, but Nico Paz’s emergence might be one of its most enduring stories. As the knockout stages intensify, expect the young midfielder to feature more prominently. For Argentina supporters, the future looks bright — a new generation ready to uphold the Albiceleste’s proud tradition.
Whether he lifts the trophy this year or in future tournaments, Nico Paz’s journey from Tenerife streets to World Cup pitches embodies the beautiful game’s global dream. Messi may be entering his twilight, but thanks to talents like Paz, Argentina’s golden era shows no signs of fading. The “Next Messi” has arrived — and the football world is watching.
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