Nico Paz: The Spanish-Born Star Who Chose Argentina for the 2026 World Cup Final

Who Is Nico Paz?

Imagine a young soccer player who was born in one country, grew up there, but chose to play for a different country’s team. That’s Nico Paz!

• He is a 21-year-old midfielder (a player who helps both defense and attack).
• He was born in Spain but plays for Argentina’s national team (the “Albiceleste”).
• He currently plays for Como, a soccer club in Italy.
• The 2026 World Cup Final will be Argentina vs. Spain — and Nico will face the country where he was born.

Important Point: Nico Paz is the first player born and trained in Spain to play a World Cup for Argentina without ever playing for an Argentine club.

Nico’s Early Life and Family

Nico was born on September 8, 2004, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

• His father is Pablo Paz, a former pro soccer player who played for clubs like Tenerife, Independiente, Banfield, and Newell’s.
• Pablo also played for Argentina in the 1998 World Cup and won a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics.
• Nico’s mother, Carla Martínez, is Spanish.
• As a kid, Nico played at Atlético San Juan in Spain, then joined Tenerife’s youth teams, and later joined Real Madrid’s youth academy.

Why Did He Choose Argentina?

Even though Spain is his home, Nico picked Argentina because of his dad.

• Pablo Paz played for Argentina, and Nico felt a strong connection to that heritage.
• Nico said: “I was born in Spain. I love both countries, but I chose Argentina because it represents me most — how soccer is lived there and because of my father, it’s a pride to follow his steps.”
• His father gave advice but let Nico decide freely.

Youth National Team Journey

Nico played for Argentina’s younger teams before the big squad.

1. In May 2022, he was called by Javier Mascherano (“Masche”) for the Toulon tournament.
2. He played for Argentina’s Under-23 team aiming for the Paris Olympics.
3. He played the South American Under-20 tournament (8 games, 1 goal).
4. Real Madrid did not let him play the 2023 Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.
5. He was not chosen for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

• At the Under-20s, he cried on the field after a tough loss to Colombia.
• Later, Argentina hosted the tournament again, giving the team new energy.

Breaking Into the Big Teams

Nico’s life changed super fast.

• He went from youth teams to Real Madrid’s reserve team (Castilla), then the main team.
• He debuted in the 2023–24 Champions League (Europe’s biggest club tournament).
• In 2024, he scored a goal for Real Madrid against Napoli (4–2 win).
• On October 15, 2024, he debuted for Argentina’s senior team and assisted Lionel Messi in a 6–0 win over Bolivia.
• Coach Lionel Scaloni told him: “Move, enjoy, forget the position, receive the ball and pass well.”
• Messi said: “He has a lot of quality and understands the game perfectly.”

His Time at Como in Italy

Nico moved to Como to play more regularly.

• With Real Madrid, he played 8 games and scored 1 goal.
• At Como, he was named in Serie A’s team of the season and best Under-23 of 2024/25.
• Stats:
  • 2024/25: 6 goals, 8 assists in 35 games; helped Como stay in top league after 21 years.
  • Next season: 12 goals, 7 assists in 35 games; helped Como reach the Champions League.
• Como then bought his full rights from Real Madrid for 60 million euros, even though Real Madrid wanted to buy him back.

Coach Cesc Fàbregas said: “I hope he keeps growing. It was his first pro season. He has desire and will be special.”

Playing Style

On the field, Nico is known for:

• Great technique and creativity.
• Smart reading of the game.
• Started as an “enganche” (playmaker), but can play many midfield spots.
• Good at passing, shooting from distance, and keeping the ball moving forward.

World Cup 2026 So Far

Nico made it to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

• He recovered from a left knee injury that stopped him playing Como’s last games.
• He played 10 minutes vs Algeria (3–0 win), coming in for Messi.
• He started vs Jordania (3–1 win).
• This Sunday, he could play the Final vs Spain — his birth country.

Important Point: The Final is extra special because Nico faces Spain, where he was born and trained, while wearing Argentina’s colors.

Summary

Nico Paz is a 21-year-old midfielder born in Spain to an Argentine ex-player dad. He chose Argentina, played youth tournaments, debuted for Real Madrid, then shined at Como in Italy. He debuted for Argentina’s senior team in 2024 assisting Messi, and now he is in the 2026 World Cup Final against Spain — the country of his birth. He is the first Spain-raised player to do this for Argentina without playing in Argentina.

FAQ

1. Why did Nico Paz play for Argentina instead of Spain?
Because his father Pablo Paz played for Argentina, and Nico felt Argentina represented him most due to family and soccer culture.

2. Has Nico Paz played for any Argentine club?
No. He is the first player born and developed in Spain to play a World Cup for Argentina without ever playing in an Argentine club.

3. What did Nico do in his first senior Argentina game?
He assisted Lionel Messi in a 6–0 win against Bolivia in October 2024.

4. How much did Como pay for Nico Paz?
Como paid 60 million euros to own his full rights from Real Madrid.

5. Will Nico play the 2026 World Cup Final?
He has a chance — the Final is Argentina vs Spain, and he is in the squad and may play.