Nico Paz has been backed to take over Argentina’s No 10 shirt after Lionel Messi ended his international career with victory over Benin.
Paz scored in Argentina’s 3-0 win in Buenos Aires, adding to the attention on the 21-year-old as the world champions prepare for life without their long-serving captain. Messi scored a penalty in his final appearance, taking his international tally to 126 goals.
The question of who succeeds Messi as Argentina’s No 10 will now become an immediate issue for the national team. Carlalberto Ludi, Como’s director of sport, believes Paz has the ability to take on the role.
“Nico Paz is world class, both in terms of his work ethic and his talent,” Ludi told Sky Sport Italia. “He knows a player needs to deserve it every day, but he has what it takes certainly to take that role, and I wish him the brightest possible future.”
Paz has been developing his career in Italy with Como and has emerged as an important attacking midfielder. His latest Argentina performance came alongside Messi in the veteran forward’s farewell match.
Messi’s departure leaves Argentina without the player who has worn the No 10 shirt through their most successful recent period. He led the country to the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup before adding the 2024 Copa América title.
Paz now has an opportunity to establish himself in the next Argentina team, although Ludi stressed that the shirt must be earned rather than simply inherited.
“He knows a player needs to deserve it every day,” Ludi said.
