Lionel Messi's successor? Como chief backs Nico Paz for Argentina's number 10
Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi has tipped rising talent Nico Paz to inherit Lionel Messi's iconic number 10 jersey for the Argentina national team.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Following Lionel Messi's emotional farewell to international football, the debate regarding who will inherit his iconic number 10 jersey has gripped Argentina. Messi played his final international match in a 3-0 victory over Benin, signing off with a trademark penalty goal.
Amidst the search for his successor, midfielder Nico Paz has emerged as a serious candidate. The youngster impressed alongside his idol during the win against Benin, scoring a spectacular goal that caught the attention of many. Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi is convinced his club's starlet is the right person to take on the mantle.
Nico Paz is world class, both in terms of his work ethic and his talent. 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. Carlalberto Ludi
Ludi highlighted that Paz possesses the ideal combination of technical ability and an elite mentality required to handle the pressure of the role. While replacing a player of Messi's stature is arguably an impossible task, Argentina remains committed to finding the next leader for a new era.
For Paz, the focus now shifts back to his domestic form. To solidify his claim to the iconic jersey and ensure a place in Argentina's starting XI, he must prove his consistency at the club level for Como week in and week out.