Nico Paz Becomes Youngest Argentine to Replicate Messi’s Champions League Impact as Como Overpowers Manchester United
Nico Paz leads Como to a stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester United
In what turned out to be one of the most eye‑catching nights of the current Champions League campaign, Italian side Como delivered a commanding performance against the English giants, winning 4‑1 at Old Trafford. Central to the triumph was 22‑year‑old Argentine midfielder Nico Paz, who not only opened the scoring but also added a second goal and an assist, showcasing a blend of finishing, vision and intelligent movement.
The opening strike arrived within the first two minutes. Receiving the ball inside the penalty area, Paz shifted onto his left foot and curled a precise shot past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, instantly setting the tone for the match. After the break, he continued to dictate play, supplying a well‑timed pass to Anastasios Douvikas for the second goal. Eight minutes later, Paz intercepted a loose pass, surged forward and calmly slotted the ball home, extending the lead.
With the fourth goal coming from teammate Jacobo Ramon, Como sealed a memorable result, while Manchester United managed a consolation strike from Joshua Zirkzee late in the game.
Matching a Messi milestone from 2009
According to data compiled by Opta, Paz’s two goals and assist place him alongside a rare benchmark set by Lionel Messi. In April 2009, Messi, then 21, recorded a similar three‑contribution performance in Barcelona’s 4‑0 demolition of Bayern Munich. Paz achieved his feat at 22 years and 43 days old, becoming the youngest Argentine to register three goal contributions in a single Champions League match since Messi’s achievement.
Beyond the raw numbers, the performance earned Paz another distinction: he is now the youngest player ever to score a brace against Manchester United in the competition, underscoring his growing reputation on Europe’s biggest stage.
Playing style: echoes of Messi, but with a personal twist
Both players share a left‑footed finishing ability and a penchant for drifting towards the right side of the pitch before cutting inside to either shoot or thread a pass. However, Paz’s physical profile sets him apart. He operates with a taller stature and a more upright running posture, contrasting with Messi’s low centre of gravity and rapid changes of direction.
Another facet of Paz’s game that draws attention is his defensive contribution. The interception that led to his second goal exemplifies his willingness to press, anticipate and turn defensive actions into immediate attacking chances – a trait less highlighted in Messi’s traditional role.
Implications for Argentine talent in Europe
The achievement adds a new chapter to the legacy of Argentine exports influencing the continent’s elite competition. While Messi’s career has set an almost unattainable standard, moments like Paz’s performance demonstrate that the next generation is capable of carving out its own place in Champions League folklore.
- 22‑year‑old Nico Paz scored two goals and provided an assist in Como’s 4‑1 win over Manchester United.
- He became the youngest Argentine since Messi (21) to record three goal contributions in a single Champions League match.
- Paz is also the youngest player to net a brace against Manchester United in the competition.
- His style combines left‑footed creativity with a taller frame and a proactive defensive mindset.
As the Champions League progresses, all eyes will be on whether Paz can sustain this level of performance and continue to build a reputation that, while inevitably compared to Messi’s, stands firmly on its own merits.
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