Lionel Messi's playing days for Argentina may be drawing to a close, but a leading South American football journalist believes the icon could stick around in a different "Master Yoda" capacity, guiding heir apparent Nico Paz through the transition as the Albiceleste's next generation takes shape.
And so the 2026 World Cup has come to a close after an enthralling 39 days that saw Spain get their hands on the trophy. Throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, has been tracking the value of some of the world's most sought-after talents. Did their price rise or plummet? Check out the final standings of our unique player value tracker to find out...
Nico Paz has sent an emotional message of defiance to supporters following the Albiceleste's agonising defeat in New York. Despite not featuring on the pitch during the showpiece event, the youngster voiced his immense pride in the squad and focused on long-term redemption by promising to secure the trophy in the future.
Como have secured the services of Nico Paz for another season following a formal agreement with Real Madrid. The Argentine creative spark has blossomed into one of Serie A's most exciting talents since moving to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, and his development will continue under the watchful eye of Cesc Fabregas.
Italian outfit Como have pulled off a stunning transfer coup by agreeing to a €60 million proposal from Real Madrid to retain the services of Argentine playmaker Nico Paz. The ambitious Serie A club successfully fought off rival interest to keep their talismanic midfielder by the lake, though the Spanish giants have secured a significantly higher buy-back clause in the process.
Real Madrid are weighing up an audacious transfer strategy that could see former academy star Nico Paz act as the key to unlocking a deal for Inter's Alessandro Bastoni. Jose Mourinho is desperate to bolster his defensive line at the Bernabeu, and a complex series of negotiations involving the Argentine midfielder may provide the perfect solution.
Real Madrid are prepared to officially inform Como of their firm intention to activate the bargain €9m buy-back clause for midfield sensation Nico Paz. The Spanish titans then plan to immediately offer the highly rated playmaker back to the Italian outfit for a staggering premium, exploiting his skyrocketing value after a stunning season.
Real Madrid's hope of executing a quick-fire financial masterstroke with Nico Paz has been dashed by transfer regulations. The Spanish giants had planned to trigger a bargain buy-back clause for the Argentine playmaker before flipping him for an immediate €50 million (£43m/$57m) profit, but the move is now legally impossible this summer.
Arsenal have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Nico Paz as the Argentine sensation looks set to stay in Italy. The 21-year-old playmaker has held pivotal talks with Jose Mourinho regarding a potential return to Real Madrid, but the outcome points toward another season away from the Bernabeu.
Lionel Scaloni’s record as Argentina manager is flawless. Three tournaments, three trophies won, with La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph sandwiched between successive Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. For a coach in his first managerial role, that is unprecedented.
Como are exploring an ambitious move for Dani Carvajal as Cesc Fabregas looks to add experience and quality ahead of the club’s first Champions League campaign. The Italian side are also tracking Real Madrid youngsters Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios while preparing for the likely departure of Nico Paz.
We're now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.
The European football season is almost over. Just one game remains - the Champions League final, as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to do battle in Budapest on Saturday. Both sides come into the game having won their own domestic titles, with PSG looking to defend the crown they won for the first time last season, while the Gunners are aiming to secure their first European Cup.
Como midfielder Nico Paz was taken to hospital for evaluation after sustaining a worrying head injury during his side's 2-0 Serie A victory over Genoa. The Argentina international suffered a clash of heads in the first half and complained of significant vision issues, prompting manager Cesc Fabregas to substitute him as a precaution.
Real Madrid have reportedly informed Como of their decision to activate the buyback clause for Nico Paz, making the Argentine international their first official signing for the 2026-27 campaign. The young playmaker has enjoyed a sensational breakout season in Italy, prompting the Spanish giants to move rapidly to secure his return to Santiago Bernabeu.
Nico Paz has poured cold water on reports linking him with a blockbuster move to Inter and discussed the possibility of his return to Real Madrid. The Argentine playmaker insisted his focus remains entirely on Como as they prepare for a historic cup showdown at San Siro.
