Midfielder Nico Paz has shared his first moments playing alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina.

In a recent interview with DAZN, young talent Nico Paz recalled the overwhelming moment of sharing the Argentina dressing room with superstar Lionel Messi.

Specifically, the 20-year-old player said: “I met Messi once before, when I was 17 years old, with the U20 team in a training session with the national team. This was the second time I met him, but the first time I was in the dressing room with him. I didn’t dare to talk, I felt embarrassed. Every time I met him, I was very nervous.”

Nico Paz is considered one of the most promising talents from La Fabrica, Real Madrid’s training center. The 2004-born star made eight appearances for the first team in the 2023/2024 season before moving to Como, on a four-year contract, with a buy-back clause.

Last October, coach Lionel Scaloni called Nico Paz up to train with the Argentina national team and gave him the opportunity to debut in the match against Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Not disappointing the trust, the young star had an assist for Messi and helped La Albiceleste win with a score of 6-0.

After the match, the Inter Miami star had praise for his promising junior.

Messi said: “Now Nico Paz has made his debut and he has a lot of quality, I hope he continues to develop. He wasn’t even born when I played my first game in the Primera, yes, I know that. He is very intelligent, he understands the game perfectly and I hope he continues like that. He plays, he enjoys the game and I think he will feel comfortable in the team because he likes to control the ball.”

In Como’s shirt, Nico Paz has left a big mark with two goals and three assists after 15 appearances, becoming the most important player in coach Cesc Fabregas’ squad.

In the immediate future, the former Real Madrid star and his teammates will look forward to a difficult away trip to Inter’s home field in round 17 of Serie A.