Argentina prepares for international friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica in November without Lionel Messi for the first time in over two decades, according to Foot Mercato reporting.
The post-Messi transition begins in Buenos Aires
The Albiceleste enter a new gathering without their legendary captain following his international retirement after the 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain. Messi departs after more than twenty years leading the national team, leaving behind two Copa América titles and one World Cup victory.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has turned toward youth for this transitional phase, calling up 22-year-old attacking midfielder Nico Paz alongside experienced squad members Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández. Paz does not carry expectations of replacing Messi directly, but rather injecting creativity into the squad.
🔟 "QUIERO VER SI NICO PAZ PUEDE JUGAR, PERO SI LE ENSEÑAN A JUGAR DONDE JUGÓ MESSI" ¿Será el mediocampista ofensivo de Como el sucesor de Lionel? 📺 Mirá #ESPNF90 por ESPN en el Plan Premium de @disneyplusla pic.twitter.com/T6Qk32HYdZ
Como form drives international call-up
Paz arrives in exceptional club form under manager Cesc Fàbregas at Serie A club Como. After recording 13 goals and seven assists last season, the left-footed playmaker has notched six goals and eight assists across 14 appearances in all competitions.
His recent performances include a standout display in the UEFA Champions League where Como defeated RC Lens 9-1. Observers in Italy note stylistic similarities in his close control and elegance to Zinedine Zidane, while South American comparisons center on Messi due to his left foot and positioning as a central number 10 or right-sided winger.
Growing role within the Albiceleste squad
First called up by Scaloni in 2024, Paz has accumulated 14 international appearances and four goals for Argentina. He featured in the 2026 World Cup squad in a supporting role behind Messi, but his standing within the team has steadily increased.
The iconic number 10 shirt worn by Messi remains vacant following his departure. Argentine media report that Paz and Lautaro Martínez are among the primary candidates to inherit the jersey, though coaching staff decided to leave the number unassigned through the November fixtures with a decision potentially delayed until 2027.
“I don’t know who could succeed the number 10, ask the coach,” Argentine defender Agustín Giay told Foot Mercato regarding the vacant jersey. “It’s a very difficult decision, and this number has always been worn by very great players. Nico is one of the candidates. It would be really great if he inherits this number, but whoever wears it will obviously be very happy.”
The symbolic passing of the torch
The defining moment of this generational shift occurred on October 6 during Messi’s final international appearance in a 3-0 victory against Benin. Messi provided an assist and scored a penalty before exchanging a lengthy embrace with Paz on the pitch.
During that match, Messi delivered the pass for Paz to score with a left-footed strike in the 61st minute. Paz reflected on sharing the dressing room with the historic captain in an interview with UEFA channels.
“When you are with a player like Messi, you try to learn from everything you see,” Paz told Foot Mercato. “I try to dwell on every detail, on everything that defines him as, in my eyes, the best player in history. In important moments, he has always answered the call. I really enjoyed being able to watch him play from the bench.”
Scaloni outlines the future of the squad
Scaloni acknowledged the integration of younger profiles into a squad that must eventually manage the eventual exits of veterans such as Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Emiliano Martínez, and Nicolás Tagliafico.
“Nico’s role is important, like that of Franco, Prestianni, and the youngsters coming up behind,” Scaloni told Foot Mercato. “He has already played in the World Cup, he has been with us for a while, and he has a very good level. He brings us something different than Franco, for example, who is more electric and plays more on the flank.”
Argentina returns to competitive action when qualifiers resume ahead of the 2027 international calendar.
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