Twenty-one-year-old attacking midfielder Nico Paz has been named to Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Como player acknowledges the magnitude of potentially substituting for Lionel Messi, noting he was only one year old when Messi debuted internationally in 2006.
Paz developed through Real Madrid’s La Fábrica academy before transferring to Serie A club Como in 2024 for €6 million. He earned his senior international debut during 2025 World Cup qualifying, recording an assist alongside Messi.
His tournament preparation faced significant hurdles after sustaining a knee injury in May 2026. Paz returned to full training with the national team in early June, just ahead of the competition hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Scaloni’s selection signals strategic intent regarding Argentina's future offensive options. However, medical staff will closely monitor Paz’s match fitness following his recent recovery. His potential playing time in group stage matches depends entirely on his physical response to tournament intensity after weeks away from competitive action.