Argentina’s World Cup champion fires a jab at Spain over Lionel Messi and other stars who chose the Albiceleste

Lionel Messi is one of many stars that could have been represented Spain instead of Argentinabut still chose the South American giants. In recent years, more players have followed that path and opted for the Albiceleste, despite ties with Spain. Under this trend an Argentina World Cup champion gave a sharp jab The Red.

One of the most talked about players of the 2025-2026 season has been Nico Pazwho is expected to return to Real Madrid in 2026 after his standout performances at Como 1904. Although he grew up in Spain, the midfielder chose to represent the national team of his father, Pablo Paza decision that sparked debate as he had lived on Argentine soil for a few years before returning to Spain at the age of 11.

Alejandro “Papu” Gomezone of Argentina’s World Cup-winning heroes, praised the work of the Argentine Football Association and did not miss the opportunity to beat Spain. When Marca asked him about Paz’s rise, he fired his shot: “He’s the third to get away from you. You’ve already let several through. If we start from Messi (Alejandro) Garnacho and now, well, Nico Paz.”

Alejandro Garnacho is one of the most notable examples. The Chelsea winger played for the Spanish U-18 national team and appeared in several youth matches, but the AFA, together with a project led by Messi, convinced him to switch allegianceseffective “to steal”a Spanish top candidate for Argentina.

FIFA’s rules were once much stricter, prevent players who have played in a country’s youth teams from ever changingeven though they never earned a senior call-up. Now the regulations are more flexible; the only barrier is making an official senior debut, a path Garnacho, Paz and even Pablo Maffeo navigated as Spanish-Argentine dual citizenship.

see also

Not Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal: Lionel Messi surprisingly names four contenders who could threaten Argentina at the 2026 World Cup

Gómez sees a great future for Paz

In 2024, Paz made the brave decision to leave Real Madrid for newly promoted Como, led by Cesc Fàbregas, and the move paid off. The Argentinian has become one of Serie A’s top scorers and assist leaders in the 2025-2026 season (both categories with five) which revives Real Madrid’s interest in activating his return.

Gómez, who recently returned to action after a two-year ban for doping, could not suppress his admiration for the young midfielder. “Nico kills it. You could already see the quality he had and I think he is doing very well. He has already earned his well-deserved call-up to the senior national team and I am sure we will see him at the best clubs in the world and many years playing for the national team.”

Now playing in Serie B, the World Cup winner believes Paz’s next step is inevitable. “I think he can make that quality leap to a more important club at any time, or return to Real Madrid – but this time he will be better prepared than when he was in Madrid, when he was younger and had less space,concluded the World Cup champion.