In 2024, Nico Paz took the bold step of leaving Real Madrid to join Cesc Fabregas' Como project, and he could not have taken a better decision in his career.
The youngster quickly gained international attention with the Argentina national team as the career of their greatest-ever player with the team appeared to be slowing down.
It was only fitting that Lionel Messi himself was set up by Paz on the youngster's debut, ensuring that his first assist as a senior international was for Messi.
In his farewell game earlier this month, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner returned the favour by teeing up the youngster in the win over Benin Republic.
Throughout Messi's final international camp, it was clear that the first-choice candidate for his vaunted number 10 shirt and role was Paz, and the 22-year-old came of age in European football for the first time this week.
The former Real Madrid man played a starring role as Como dismantled Manchester United 4-1 on the shore of Lake Como, orchestrating an attacking performance that left fans ecstatic and neutrals purring.
He delivered the kind of performance that Messi put out against European heavyweights on hundreds of occasions, further enhancing his standing as La Pulga's heir.
Paz dazzles as Como trounce Manchester United
Nico Paz was the centre of attention at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, as Como faced the biggest test of their debut Champions League campaign so far.
He needed just two minutes to announce himself in style with a brilliant curling effort that nestled in the far corner of Senne Lammens' goal.
The home fans needed to wait until the second half for more goals, and Paz was at the heart of everything, again. Just four minutes into the half, he threaded a perfect ball into the path of Anastasios Douvikas, who shot beyond Lammens to make it two.
Just three minutes shy of the hour mark, Paz added a second goal with a composed finish, making him the first Argentine since Messi to score multiple goals against Manchester United.
A fourth goal followed in the 76th minute, as defender Jacobo Ramon was allowed to ghost into the box unmarked and slam home a header.
Como eased up after scoring their fourth, with manager Fabregas revealing in his post-match press conference that he had asked them to slow down after they went 4-0 up.
Joshua Zirkzee scored a stoppage time consolation goal for the Red Devils, ensuring that the game ended 4-1.
Nico Paz was the official Player of the Match after his dazzling performance against the Premier League side.
He attempted the most shots in the game and completed 80% of his passes, while also creating a big chance.
The youngster also took his defensive role seriously, recording four defensive contributions in the encounter.
| Nico Paz vs Manchester United | Statistic |
| Minutes played | 80 |
| Shots (on target) | 4 (4) |
| Passes (completed) | 60 (48) |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Ball recoveries | 5 |
| Ground duels (won) | 13 (6) |
At 22 years and 43 days, Paz became the second-youngest South American player in Champions League history to score against Manchester United, behind only Messi, who set the record at 21 years and 337 days during the 2009 Champions League final.
Additionally, Paz became the youngest player to both score and assist in a Champions League match against Manchester United since Russian star Alan Dzagoev in November 2009.
Paz transfer keeps yielding benefits for Como
Como took a gamble on Paz ahead of the 2024-25 season, paying a small fee to sign the playmaker from Real Madrid, who were keen to have him develop elsewhere.
Their agreement included a buy-back clause, and the Spanish giants made it clear on multiple occasions that they considered Paz to still be their player, even though he was already in Italy.
He was Serie A's Best Young Player in his debut season and decided to remain with Como despite speculation that his buy-back clause was to be triggered.
At the end of his second season at the club, he was named as the league's best midfielder and was included in the team of the season, leading Real Madrid to act decisively.
The Italian side re-signed him in a deal that included a much higher buy-back clause, and he has been a key player for Fabregas' side since.
Paz has 23 goals and 20 assists in 85 appearances across all competitions in a Como shirt, making him one of their most important players.
He caught the attention of Italy first with Como, and now has the attention of Europe and his native Argentina, where he is destined to succeed Messi.
