Argentine football legend Lionel Messi offered praise to 20-year-old Nico Paz, a rising star who made waves in his debut for the national team on Tuesday, October 15.
Lionel Messi humorously pointed out that Nico Paz wasn’t even born when he commenced his professional career, highlighting the age gap between them.
Paz, who had previously trained with the Real Madrid youth academy, showcased his potential during Argentina’s astonishing 6-0 victory over Bolivia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match earlier in the week.
Coming off the bench in the second half to replace Lautaro Martinez when the score was already 3-0, Paz’s presence on the field was a testament to Argentina’s profound talent pool. 
Reflecting on Paz’s debut, Messi emphasized the midfielder’s talent and urged him to keep honing his skills. As reported by GOAL, Messi stated, “Now Nico Paz has made his debut, and he possesses a lot of quality. I truly hope he continues his upward trajectory.”
With a touch of humor, Messi added, “He wasn’t even born when I made my debut in Primera, yes, I knew.” This lighthearted remark was complemented by a sincere acknowledgment of Paz’s understanding of the game as Messi added, “He has a great head. He understands the game perfectly, and I hope he continues like this.
“He played; he enjoyed it, and I believe he’ll feel comfortable in this team because he likes having the ball.”
Note that Nico Paz is currently playing as a midfielder for Seria A club, Como, under the tutelage of Spanish legendary footballer turned coach, Cesc Fàbregas.
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