Argentina's No. 10 Jersey: Scaloni Picks Nico Paz to Succeed Messi?

When Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, a big question emerged: who will inherit the legendary No. 10 jersey of the Argentina national team? The answer, according to ESPN Argentina, could be Nico Paz – a name that surprises many but makes perfect sense in the current context. The No. 10 of Argentina is not just a number on a shirt. It is the legacy of Diego Maradona, of Lionel Messi, and a symbol of genius, of decisive moments. Handing this jersey to a 21-year-old like Nico Paz is a bold decision, but it reflects a long-term vision from coach Lionel Scaloni. According to ESPN Argentina journalist Federico Bueno, this decision has been internally agreed upon. "If Scaloni renews as Argentina's coach, which is expected to be negotiated in the coming months, the No. 10 shirt will go to Nico Paz," Bueno revealed. "This has already been decided internally and is being taken very seriously." However, everything depends on whether Scaloni renews his contract. His current deal expires at the end of 2026. The coach who led Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals in 2026 and 2026, winning the 2026 edition, is reportedly in line to sign an extension until 2030. Interestingly, this decision is not for Enzo Fernandez or Alexis Mac Allister – stars who have already made their names in major tournaments. Instead, Scaloni chose a young player currently at Como in Serie A. This is a clear signal about the future direction of the Argentina national team. Nico Paz, a former Real Madrid player, has 11 international caps for Argentina, scoring one goal. Last season, he was a key figure in helping Como secure UEFA Champions League qualification, with 13 goals and 7 assists across all competitions while wearing the No. 10 at club level. From the perspective of someone who has followed South American and European football for years, I see this as more than just a symbolic decision. Scaloni is building a squad for the future, and handing the No. 10 to Paz is a statement of faith. It is a way of saying: "He is our future." Of course, pressure is inevitable. When a person is cast into a statue, they begin to lose themselves on the pitch. Paz will have to face constant comparisons with Messi and Maradona. But perhaps Scaloni understands this better than anyone. He does not expect Paz to become the new Messi; he expects Paz to become himself – the best version of himself. I wrote his name in my notebook long before the stage lights came on. During his time at Real Madrid Castilla, Paz showed the qualities of a modern No. 10: the ability to receive the ball between the lines, sharp tactical vision, and remarkable composure in front of goal. He is not a player who constantly sprints, but one who reads the game and creates space for teammates. Magic does not exist; only those who read the rules carefully before others blink. Scaloni, as someone who has witnessed Paz's growth from the early days, understands that the No. 10 jersey is not a burden if the wearer is properly prepared. And handing it over early, before media pressure becomes too great, is a subtle psychological strategy. However, the question remains: is Paz ready? At 21, he is having an excellent season at Como, but the international stage is a completely different challenge. South American teams like Brazil, Uruguay, or Colombia will not easily give him space to operate. That is why this decision needs to be viewed in a long-term context, not immediately. The transfer market never tells the truth; it only whispers what we long to hear. But in this case, the signal from Argentina is clear: they are deliberately preparing for the post-Messi era. And Nico Paz, with his talent and humility, could be the perfect piece for that picture. The most important person in a match does not run on the pitch; they sit quietly in the stands unseen. Scaloni, with his experience, is looking beyond what the public sees. He is not just choosing a player; he is choosing a symbol for the next generation of Argentine football. From the grass of the pitch to the LED screens, the boundary between two worlds is as fragile as a touchline. The No. 10 jersey of Argentina will soon have a new owner, and for Nico Paz, it is not just an honor but a heavy responsibility. Can he overcome that pressure? Only time will tell. But with Scaloni's backing and a clear plan, I believe Paz has the qualities to write the next chapter in Argentine football history.