Nico Paz was seen as the next best candidate to inherit the Argentina No 10 shirt from legend Lionel Messi after he performed well for Como and for the country.
The 21-year-old midfielder has caught the eye due to his ability to create and score goals and his performances for Como boss Cesc Fabregas.
On the pitch, Paz netted six goals and set up eight in 35 league games in his maiden Serie A campaign before bettering his tally to 13 goals and seven assists in 40 matches the season after.
The Argentina central midfielder has also impressed with his performances and has become a regular feature for his nation. This has earned him the trust of Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and he has scored five goals in 17 international appearances.
Paz scored at the time against Benin and was the last Argentine scorer assisted by Messi.
Now Argentina have to find a new Messi, following in the footsteps of No. 10s Diego Maradona and Mario Kempes, who previously carried the nation to World Cup victory.
Madrid before signing Como following little game time at the Spanish giants. Madrid retained a buy-back clause on the player.
While Paz is yet to make his case as Messi’s successor for that special No. 10, a further rise in form will help his cause.
