Nico Paz Makes Champions League History in Como’s 4-1 Win Over Manchester United
Nico Paz delivered a landmark performance as Como overwhelmed Manchester United 4-1 in the third round of the Champions League. The 22-year-old Argentine scored twice and assisted another goal, becoming the youngest player from his country to contribute to three goals in one Champions League match since Lionel Messi achieved the feat in 2009.
Paz’s display combined a quick opening strike, intelligent playmaking and a second goal that helped put the result beyond doubt. For Como, the victory was a statement on the European stage. For Paz, it was a breakthrough night that strengthened his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Argentine football.
A fast start sets the tone
Como needed less than two minutes to take the lead. Paz found the net early, giving the home side an immediate lift and forcing Manchester United to respond before they had settled into the match. His opener showed the confidence that has become a defining feature of his game: he was alert to the opportunity and decisive when it arrived.
The Argentine then turned creator after the break. In the 49th minute, he set up Anastasios Douvikas for Como’s second goal, helping the hosts extend their advantage. Eight minutes later, Paz scored again to make it 3-0 and cap a remarkable personal contribution. Como went on to complete a 4-1 victory, with the result underlining the team’s attacking threat as well as Paz’s influence.
Two goals and an assist tell only part of the story. Paz gave Como a focal point in attack, linked play between the midfield and forward line, and repeatedly looked capable of changing the game. Against a club with Manchester United’s European pedigree, that level of composure was particularly striking.
A record that connects Paz with Messi
Statistics provider Opta recorded Paz’s age at 22 years and 43 days when he contributed to all three of Como’s first goals. That made him the youngest Argentine to register three goal contributions in a single Champions League match since Messi did so against Bayern Munich in April 2009.
Messi was 21 during that 4-0 Barcelona victory, a performance that became part of his rise to global superstardom. Paz’s achievement does not place the two players on the same career trajectory, but the comparison highlights the scale of the young midfielder’s night. Reaching a statistical milestone associated with one of football’s greatest players is a significant moment for any emerging talent.
Records can offer useful context, but they are not predictions of what comes next. Paz still has plenty to prove over a long career, and consistency across different competitions will matter more than one exceptional evening. Even so, his Champions League performance offered strong evidence that he can influence matches at the highest level.
Why Paz is attracting attention
Paz has built his reputation on a blend of technical quality, vision and attacking ambition. He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, can spot forward passes quickly and has the ability to threaten the goal himself. His willingness to shoot from distance adds another dimension, making him difficult for defenders to contain when he finds space around the edge of the penalty area.
That versatility is valuable in modern football. Creative players are often asked to move between central midfield and more advanced positions, and Paz’s ability to both create and finish chances gives his coaches tactical options. Against Manchester United, he demonstrated how effectively those qualities can combine: he scored early, supplied a teammate and then struck again as Como took control.
His performance also reflects the importance of opportunity and responsibility for young players. A promising talent can attract attention, but regular involvement and the confidence to make decisive choices are what help turn potential into impact. Paz’s contribution against United suggested he is growing into a player willing to take responsibility in major moments.
Argentina’s next generation and the number 10 debate
Paz’s rapid progress has naturally prompted discussion about his future with Argentina. The national team has a rich history of influential attacking players, and questions about who might eventually wear the iconic number 10 shirt are likely to continue as Messi’s international career moves towards its next chapter.
It is too early to treat the shirt as a guaranteed inheritance. The number carries enormous expectations, and Argentina has several talented players competing for prominent roles. Paz’s performances, however, have put him firmly into conversations about the country’s next generation. His challenge will be to keep developing, earn regular opportunities and show that his club form can translate consistently to international football.
He has already made a memorable connection with Messi. During Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia in October 2024, early in Paz’s international career, he set up a goal for the Inter Miami forward. Messi praised the youngster’s talent and understanding of the game, a notable endorsement from a player whose judgment carries considerable weight.
What the result means for Como and Manchester United
For Como, beating Manchester United by three goals is more than a headline result. It offers a confidence boost and demonstrates that the side can combine effective attacking football with the composure required in a major European fixture. Paz was the standout, but the team’s ability to create and convert chances made the victory possible.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will need to examine how Como found space and punished defensive lapses. A 4-1 defeat in the Champions League can have consequences beyond the points lost, especially when it exposes problems in organisation or the team’s response after conceding. The next fixtures will be important in showing whether United can recover quickly and improve their performance.
Prediction: Paz’s influence is likely to keep growing
Any prediction about a young player’s future should be measured, but Paz has given supporters plenty of reason for optimism. His technical ability, attacking instincts and confidence suggest he can become an increasingly important figure for Como and a serious contender for a larger role with Argentina. The key will be maintaining his form, adapting as opponents pay closer attention and continuing to make an impact in high-pressure matches.
One performance cannot define a career, yet this was an unusually complete display on a major stage. By matching a milestone last reached by Messi as a young player, Paz created a moment that will be remembered in Como’s Champions League story. More importantly, he showed that his rise is built on qualities that matter in football: creativity, decisiveness and the courage to shape a game.
