“He’s very good, he’s a top talent” - Carlo Ancelotti offers Real Madrid first-term pathway to Lionel Messi's 20-year-old teammate

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has lavished praise on Lionel Messi's Argentine teammate Nico Paz. The 20-year-old is currently a part of Italian outfit Como, having joined them from Real Madrid Castilla this summer for a reported €6 million.

Paz has thrived in Italy, recording two goals and four assists in 16 games across competitions. However, his influence goes beyond these numbers. The Argentine youngster has been one of the best players for I Lariani this season and has already been included in the Serie A team of the week twice.

In a recent interview, Carlo Ancelotti hinted at Nico Paz's possible return. The Italian tactician reckoned that the Argentinean could be a part of Real Madrid's future while also revealing that the club was keeping track of his progress.

“For sure he can be part of Real Madrid future. We’re costantly monitoring his progress at Como. He’s very good, he’s a top talent,” he said (as quoted by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano).

Ancelotti also explained Real Madrid's decision to send him to Como. According to him, the Argentine prodigy needed game time - something that wouldn't have been possible at Los Blancos.

“This season was needed for Nico to play on regular basis out of Real Madrid, it was a smart choice,” opined Ancelotti.

The Spanish giants reportedly have a buy-back option for Nico Paz, which is set at €9 million for 2025 and will increase by a million euros every year. Additionally, Los Blancos will retain 50% of any future sale of the player.

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When Lionel Messi waxed lyrical about Real Madrid talent Nico Paz

Argentina v Bolivia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier - Source: Getty

Argentine maestro Lionel Messi once lavished praise on Nico Paz. The 20-year-old played with Messi during Argentina's 6-0 demolition of Bolivia on October 15 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In the 73rd minute, Paz replaced Lautaro Martinez with his side already leading 3-0 thanks to strikes from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez. After the game, the Argentine captain praised Paz's ability to read the game, saying (via GOAL):

"We played very well between the lines, at a high level. Now Nico Paz has made his debut, and he has a lot of quality, and I hope he continues to grow. He wasn't born when I made my debut in Primera, yes, I knew (laughs).

He continued:

"He has a great head. He understands the game perfectly, and I hope he continues like this. He played; he enjoyed it, and I think he'll feel comfortable in this team because he likes having the ball."

In the game, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick with Nico Paz providing the assist to his last goal in the 86th minute.