Football careers often take unexpected turns, leading some players to temporarily leave their clubs to develop and prove their worth, only to return stronger than before. This has been the case for several Real Madrid stars like Brahim Díaz, Marco Asensio, and Federico Valverde, who left on loan or transfers and returned as key players.
Recently, Lionel Messi, the Argentine national team captain and Inter Miami star, expressed his admiration for young Real Madrid talent Nico Paz. The 20-year-old Argentine midfielder moved to Italian side Como this summer in search of regular playing time. Although it was a permanent move, Real Madrid included a buy-back clause in his contract, allowing them to re-sign him in the future.
Paz's impressive performances for Como have caught the attention of Argentina’s national coach Lionel Scaloni, who called him up for the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking about Nico Paz, Messi said, "Nico Paz has an incredible mentality, and that’s why he’s in this position. Real Madrid will bring him back, and he will become a legend there."
He further added, "Nico has great quality and an excellent understanding of the game. His mentality is exceptional. Plus, working with Cesc Fàbregas as his coach, who is a good friend of mine, will help him grow tremendously."
Messi's endorsement is a significant boost for Nico Paz, who seems destined for a bright future. If he continues his current trajectory, Real Madrid's management will likely exercise their option to bring him back. The club still holds 50% of his rights and could re-sign him next summer for around €6 million, especially with the potential departures of veteran midfielders like Dani Ceballos and Luka Modrić.