Lionel Messi hails ‘incredible’ ex-Real Madrid starlet after Argentina debut | OneFootball

Argentine icon Lionel Messi has on Wednesday moved to reveal his appreciation for the talents of Nico Paz.

This comes after midfielder Paz was afforded his senior international bow by the Albiceleste in the early hours of Wednesday.

En route to a 6-0 World Cup qualifier drubbing of Bolivia, the 20-year-old was introduced off the bench by Lionel Scaloni during the 2nd-half of action.

And Paz went on to mark his debut with an assist, for Argentina’s 6th of the clash.

The aforementioned Messi was the recipient of his young teammate’s layoff, allowing the Inter Miami standout to wrap up a superb hat-trick.

Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle in Buenos Aires, Messi, in turn, was asked for his early impressions of Paz.

And the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made use of the opportunity to lavish praise on the midfield starlet, who has also enjoyed an excellent start to life with Como following his summer departure from Real Madrid:

“Nico Paz has an incredible mindset, and that’s why he’s where he is. Nico has a lot of quality and understands the game perfectly. He has an incredible mindset, and he’s with Cesc Fabregas as coach who is my friend and will help him grow a lot.”

Conor Laird – GSFN