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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Messi hails debutant Paz</li><li>Chelsea and Arsenal want the midfielder</li><li>Argentina beat Bolivia 6-0</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lionel Messi heaps praise on Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target Nico Paz after seeing ex-Real Madrid starlet impress on his Argentina debut

<p>The 20-year-old former Real Madrid starlet played his maiden senior international match on Tuesday as he was brought in as a second-half substitute in place of Lautaro Martinez in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/argentina-player-ratings-vs-bolivia-lionel-messi-hat-trick-la-albiceleste-world-cup-qualifying/bltb4e9b5e9103ea4ac" target="_blank">Argentina's 6-0 win over Bolivia</a> in a 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying game.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Argentina skipper Messi, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/amaze-lionel-messi-s-wonderful-bolivia-lionel-scaloni-argentina-boss-special-request-inter-miami-magician/blt8a8d05389bb71b4e" target="_blank">who was in red-hot form</a> with a hat-trick and two assists in the match, heaped praise on Paz while claiming that the youngster has a bright future ahead. Per <a href="https://tbrfootball.com/arsenal-and-chelsea-are-keeping-close-tabs-on-argentina-youngster-whos-amazed-the-world/" target="_blank">TBR</a>, Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea are closely monitoring the progress of the young Como midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to reporters, Messi said: "We played very well between the lines, at a high level. Now Nico Paz has made his debut, and he has a lot of quality and I hope he continues to grow. He wasn't born when I made my debut in Primera, yes, I knew (laughs).</p><p>"He has a great head, he understands the game perfectly and I hope he continues like this. He played, he enjoyed it and I think he'll feel comfortable in this team because he likes having the ball."</p>

WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

<p>The former Barcelona star will return to club football now and will be back in action for Inter Miami, who face the New England Revolution in MLS on Saturday.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?

Lionel Messi heaps praise on Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target Nico Paz after seeing ex-Real Madrid starlet impress on his Argentina debut | Goal.com

Lionel Messi lauded Arsenal and Chelsea target Nico Paz&apos;s performance as he made his Argentina debut against Bolivia.

Lionel Messi heaps praise on Arsenal &amp; Chelsea transfer target Nico Paz after seeing ex-Real Madrid starlet impress on his Argentina debut