Nico Paz and the impossible task

The idea of replacing Lionel Messi, at least figuratively, naturally pops up after the 39-year-old hung up his boots from international football following Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental on Wednesday.

Messi is arguably the greatest footballer to have graced the game, making the prospect of replacing him seem almost impossible. But, like everything else, life must go on. The baton, however indispensable a player may be to a side, must eventually be passed. Someone has to assume the mantle, even if they don't want to.

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Naturally, Nico Paz has been tipped to take the torch and is the leading candidate among Alexis Mac Allister and Franco Mastantuono for Messi’s No. 10 shirt and the burden of scoring as well as playmaking that comes with it. Last season, Paz played an integral role in Como’s historic Champions League qualification, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists.

This FIFA window, the longest ever, has also helped Paz make his case. He has scored in each of Argentina’s three friendlies, including Messi’s farewell against Benin, where he scored the third goal from a Messi assist. It was his fourth goal for the Albiceleste.

Paz, who has 14 caps for Argentina, came on as a substitute and immediately combined with Messi on the right flank before curling a left-footed strike into the far corner -- a finish Messi would have had no hesitation acknowledging.

The 22-year-old certainly fits the profile Argentina may need. An elegant, left-footed playmaker who operates in the half-spaces, Paz possesses the guile of a No. 10, while his 6'1" frame gives him a height and power advantage, along with the physicality and athleticism to dominate that area of the pitch.

While fans will inevitably look for similarities to Messi, Paz offers a very different physical package that could adapt well to the demands of modern football.

Argentina could also get more defensive work rate. Unlike late-career Messi, who naturally conserved energy out of possession, Paz presses, tracks back and tackles, giving Lionel Scaloni's midfield greater structural solidity without sacrificing creativity.

Rather than trying to be Messi, Paz can take the baton by becoming Argentina's hybrid engine, combining final-third vision with physical power. But expecting him to replace Messi rather than become himself would be unfair. Few, if any, can replicate what Messi has done.