Real Madrid keeping tabs on highly rated star who was praised by Lionel Messi - Reports

Real Madrid are said to be keenly watching the performances of Argentine youngster Nico Paz. Los Blancos sold the 20-year-old to newly promoted Serie A side Como in the summer, but a clause in his contract could see him return to the Santiago Bernebau in the future.

Paz is a product of Real Madrid’s academy. The youngster had his first-team breakthrough last season, scoring a goal in eight appearances across competitions for Los Blancos. However, lack of first-team opportunities prompted a reported €6.3 million move to Como in the summer for the youngster.

The Argentine has impressed in the Serie A with a goal and three assists for the Cesc Fabregas-led side. Paz’s impressive display earned him a call-up to the Argentine national team in the recently concluded international break.

On his international debut, he came off the bench to provide an assist for Lionel Messi as La Albiceleste thumped Bolivia 6-0 in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Paz’s performance also won him praise from the Inter Miami star.

According to Marca (via Fichajes), Paz’s recent performances have caught the attention of his boyhood club Real Madrid who are now closely monitoring his progression. Thanks to a policy that protects the future of academy players and allows them to return to the club, Madrid still own 50 percent of the player’s rights as well as a buyback option.

Thus, if Paz continues to impress, they might be forced to activate the buyback clause in his contract.

What did Lionel Messi say about former Real Madrid star Nico Paz?

Nico Paz was invited to the national team for Argentina’s World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Bolivia. The Real Madrid academy graduate was an unused substitute against Venezuela but debuted against Bolivia on October 16.

He replaced Lautaro Martinez in the 73rd minute and provided the assist for Lionel Messi’s hat-trick in the 83rd minute. After the game, Messi lauded the 20-year-old. He said (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 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," Messi added.