The young Como phenomenon is slowly recovering from a knee problem. And even if he might not be at full strength at the start of the competition, he aims to become his captain’s main partner.
One step, two, then another. As if he were in a tango class, Nico Paz is picking up the pace in learning a global dance that is about to begin and could see him immediately take center stage. Stronger than the speculation about his knee, Como’s number 10 is moving forward with the patience needed to quickly make his mark in the world’s most prestigious tournament.
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Already able to play with his back to goal like a veteran despite being only 21, he is slowly making his way toward the world’s most prestigious milongathat of the world champions. His rise over the past two years has been meteoric, thanks in particular to the tactical instructions of coach Cesc Fabregaswho has also given him a certain freedom of thought, decision-making, and movement.
Return
The substitute for Lionel Messi now shows great composure and is calmly preparing for his first World Cup match, where he is expected to start on the bench. The Albiceleste captain, who came off injured in a match with his Inter Miami side on May 24, seems ready to start from the first minute in the opening match against Algeria, while the player born in 2004 is gradually regaining his form.
The news came on Sunday, June 7: Como’s playmaker took part in his first full team training since joining the squad for the World Cup. The feeling within the group is very positive, and his dance steps are becoming more and more fluid and confident. Just days before the World Cup kicks off, his full return is now a certainty. And Scaloni can finally breathe easy.
Even at 60%, the Rosario native remains the undisputed master of the playmaker role from the kickoff. But in a tournament longer than usual, a 39-year-old player (which he will turn on June 24) will need to be managed carefully. In this context, Paz appears to be the ideal alter ego for Messi, who has already highlighted him several times and praised his qualities.
A Champions League partner
Looking back at the current season for Argentinians in Europe, Como’s number 10 stands out as one of the few to have achieved a major goal in the European national leagues. Besides Emiliano Martinez – Europa League winner, and Lautaro Martinez – Italian champion and cup winner – the player born in 2004 achieved the best team result by qualifying for the Champions League with Como, who far exceeded their season’s objectives.
The Argentine was arguably the best player in the last Serie A season, ranking fourth in goal contributions with 12 goals and seven assists. It’s therefore possible that he could be used both as Messi’s main substitute and as his right-hand man, thanks to his mobility and ability to adapt to a fluid style of play. He could also establish himself just as Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister did in 2022, who then played a key role in the Albiceleste’s victory.
The only condition for his definitive breakthrough remains a full recovery from the discomfort in his knee, a joint essential for his tango steps on the pitch. All of Argentina is waiting for his dance. Because, without Angel Di Mariathe left-footer trained at Real Madrid could well become the captain’s best partner. And who knows, maybe even earn himself a return to the Santiago Bernabeu…
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