Fabrizio Romano Names Nico Paz as Top Candidate to Inherit Argentina No. 10 Shirt
- Argentina is preparing for life after Lionel Messi by evaluating candidates to inherit the iconic No.
- Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicated that the feeling inside the national team points to the 21-year-old Como midfielder as a primary candidate to take over the famous jersey.
- Paz shares clear stylistic similarities with Messi as a left-footed player occupying a comparable position on the pitch.
Argentina is preparing for life after Lionel Messi by evaluating candidates to inherit the iconic No. 10 shirt, with midfielder Nico Paz emerging as a serious contender according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Nico Paz Emerges as Leading Contender for the No. 10 Shirt
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicated that the feeling inside the national team points to the 21-year-old Como midfielder as a primary candidate to take over the famous jersey. Romano noted that while Paz is not the sole option under consideration, he is the specific name to keep in mind following Messi’s departure.
Paz shares clear stylistic similarities with Messi as a left-footed player occupying a comparable position on the pitch. During his recent club campaign with Italian side Como, Paz contributed 13 goals and seven assists to help secure the team’s first-ever qualification for the Champions League.
Internal Support and Alternate Contenders in the National Squad
Early speculation received a public push from teammate Emiliano Dibu Martínez, who commented new number 10 on an Instagram post shared by Paz following a 4-0 victory over Bolivia. ESPN Argentina insider Federico Bueno reported in early September that manager Lionel Scaloni had already designated Paz for the role, pending the future renewal of Scaloni’s coaching contract.
Despite the growing momentum around Paz, the coaching staff has not made a final determination. Several other established members of the national squad, including Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández, remain mentioned as alternative choices for the historic number.
Contract Negotiations and Upcoming Squad Decisions
The formal assignment of the No. 10 jersey is tied directly to upcoming discussions regarding Scaloni’s contract extension, which are scheduled to take place in the coming months. Until those managerial negotiations conclude and official squad lists are released, the final decision on Messi’s successor remains open.