Argentine midfielder Nico Paz expressed gratitude after a photograph showed Ciro Messi, the youngest son of Lionel Messi, wearing the kit of Italian club Como 1907. The image emerged shortly before Paz delivered a standout performance in the UEFA Champions League, scoring two goals and providing an assist in a 4-1 victory over Manchester United at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

The photograph originated from an Instagram post published by Antonela Roccuzzo, featuring family moments from October. The image depicts Lionel Messi alongside Ciro, who is dressed in the Como jersey. While public speculation initially connected the shirt to Paz, Como manager Cesc Fàbregas clarified to Sky Italia that the garment was one of several he sent as a personal gift from his own collection, bearing the name “Fàbregas 4,” stemming from his long-standing friendship with the Messi family dating back to their shared years in Barcelona’s La Masia academy.

Nico Paz Responds to the Photo After Scoring Against Manchester United

Speaking to reporters after the European fixture, Paz addressed the social media post and the significance of the gesture from the Messi household. “Es un honor que el hijo del mejor jugador de la historia lleve nuestra camiseta.”

The 22-year-old midfielder expanded on the upward trajectory of the Lombardy club since his arrival. “Creo que nos hemos convertido, y nos estamos convirtiendo, en un gran equipo, mucho mejor que hace tres años. Cada día estamos mejorando mucho”, added Paz.

Record-Breaking Performance at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia

Paz opened the scoring against Manchester United in the second minute with a curling effort into the top corner following a pass from Lucas Da Cunha. He subsequently provided an assist for Anastasios Douvikas before intercepting a ball in the opponent’s half to net his second goal in the 57th minute.

The performance made Paz the youngest player to score and assist in the same Champions League match against Manchester United since Alan Dzagoev accomplished the feat for CSKA Moscow in 2009. At 22 years and 43 days old, he also became the second-youngest South American player to score against United in the competition, trailing only Lionel Messi, who scored in the 2009 final at 21 years and 337 days old.

Speculation Surrounding the Argentina National Team Number 10 Shirt

During the post-match media availability, journalists questioned Paz regarding the possibility of inheriting the iconic number 10 shirt for the Argentina national team following Lionel Messi’s departure from the senior squad. Paz chose not to comment directly on the prospect.

Talk regarding a potential generational transition has circulated following recent international windows. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez previously posted a public comment on social media asking if Paz was the national team’s “new number 10” following an appearance against Bolivia in Córdoba. Paz remains a regular inclusion under manager Lionel Scaloni and was part of the squad during the 2026 international calendar.