Nico Paz set to support Lionel Messi for Argentina at 2024 World Cup in Qatar

Nico PazLUIS ROBAYO / AFP

Nico Paz will join Lionel Messi as part of Argentina’s squad for the 2024 World Cup in Qatar, starting with the tournament’s opening match against Algeria. Despite ongoing recovery from a knee injury, the 21-year-old Como playmaker trained fully with the team on June 7, proving his readiness to contribute.

Nico Paz is gradually regaining full fitness despite a recent knee injury, positioning himself as a vital player ready to support Lionel Messi for Argentina at the 2024 World Cup in Qatar. On June 7, the 21-year-old midfielder from Como resumed full training sessions with the team, reinforcing his likelihood to contribute during the tournament’s early stages and beyond.

Although expected to begin the World Cup with a place on the bench, Paz shows increasing confidence as he prepares for Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. Coach Lionel Scaloni expressed relief over Paz’s progressing recovery, which contrasts with injuries affecting other squad members, including Messi, who is fully fit ahead of the tournament despite shortly coming off an injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami on May 24.

Born in Rosario in 2004, Paz has encountered a rapid ascent in his professional development over the past two years. His exposure to tactical guidance under coach Cesc Fabregas has sharpened his decision-making and technical freedom on the pitch, allowing him to distinguish himself as a strategic playmaker with veteran composure, despite his young age.

Joining forces with Messi in the team, Paz holds the promise to act as both a dependable substitute and a creative partner during a longer World Cup campaign. Given Messi’s 39th birthday on June 24 and the management considerations his age imposes, Paz’s emergence as an alternative design playmaker is regarded as crucial. Messi has recognized and praised Paz’s qualities, underscoring their potential partnership.

Performance and Expectations

This past season, Como’s number 10 earned recognition as one of the standout Argentine figures in European leagues by helping his team surpass goals and qualify for the Champions League—a notable achievement when comparing fellow Argentines such as Emiliano Martinez, who won the Europa League, and Lautaro Martinez, who claimed the Italian championship and cup. With 12 goals and 7 assists, Paz ranked fourth in total goal contributions throughout Serie A.

His versatility and technique enable him to adjust fluidly to lineup changes and the demands of international play. Much like Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, who were pivotal in Argentina’s previous World Cup triumph in 2022, Paz could develop a similar impact should he recover completely from his knee condition.

Argentina’s squad dynamics have evolved following the absence of former winger Angel Di Maria, a Real Madrid-trained player with a formidable left foot. Paz is now poised to take a more central role alongside Messi, with hopes his performances on the world stage will secure him new opportunities, possibly including a future return to the Santiago Bernabeu.