Nico Paz: ‘Two amazing weeks with Messi, I don’t know about his no.10 shirt’

Nico Paz says he has mixed emotions after the international break, having starred with Argentina but also having had to say farewell to the iconic Lionel Messi, insisting he ‘doesn’t know’ who will inherit the iconic no.10 shirt for the Albiceleste.

Nico Paz comments on Messi retirement and Como 0-0 Roma

Paz scored three goals from three appearances with the Argentina national team during the September-October international break, including one that was assisted by the legendary Messi in his final international appearance during a 3-0 victory over Benin.

The talented Como star has also been tipped as one of the candidates to take over the iconic no.10 shirt for Argentina, not only donned by Messi for the last 15 years, but also by Diego Maradona and several other legendary figures over the years.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 06: Nico Paz of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the International Friendly match between Argentina and Benin at Estadio Monumental Antonio V. Liberti on October 06, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lionel Messi is making his final appearance for Argentina following his announcement of international retirement on 31 August. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Speaking to DAZN after full-time of Como’s 0-0 draw against Roma upon his return to Serie A action on Sunday, Paz insisted, “No I don’t know,” when asked if he has been told he will be taking over Messi’s no.10 shirt.

He went on to discuss his time away with the Argentina national team: “They were two amazing weeks. Messi’s farewell was a sad day, but I also enjoyed it so much. I scored some goals, I had a few good games and now I want to carry on and do the same with Como.”

ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Nico Paz of Como 1907 is challenged by Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

And, discussing the game against Roma itself, Paz said: “It was difficult because they put a lot of players in the penalty area and we should have moved the ball around a bit faster, opened it up a bit more. We’ve done all we can and now we have to move on.”