Nico Paz moved after seeing Messi's son wearing a Como jersey

Two goals in a 4-1 rout of Manchester United in the Champions League would be enough news for any player on its own. But what really got people talking in the last few hours wasn't just Nico Paz's performance, it was a photo. An image shared by Antonela Roccuzzo on social media showed Lionel Messi alongside his youngest son, Ciro, wearing a Como jersey.

The Argentine, who is going through a brilliant stretch with the Italian club, was asked about that photo in an interview with Sky Sports Italia, right around the Champions League match. He didn't hesitate to answer with the kind of emotion that comes from knowing exactly what it means.

It's an honor that the best player in history has our jersey. That shows we're doing things the right way.Nico Paz

The 22 year old midfielder didn't stop there. He also took the chance to talk about where the team stands now, a Como side that's a different animal from the one it was not long ago.

We don't fully realize we have a really good team, much better than three years ago, and I think we're improving a lot day by day. Seeing Messi's son with our jersey is a pleasure and an honor.Nico Paz

Fabregas explains, with a laugh

The photo sparked curiosity among fans. How did a Como jersey end up with the Messi family? The answer came from none other than Cesc Fabregas, the Italian club's coach and a close friend of Leo's dating back to their days together at Barcelona.

We're very close friends, we have been for a long time, and our wives and kids are very close too.Cesc Fabregas

But the coach, a World Cup winner with Spain in South Africa 2010, couldn't resist clarifying, with a laugh, exactly whose jersey appeared in the photo.

I sent him a lot of Como jerseys, but the one in the post isn't Nico's, it says 'Fabregas 4.' I know I don't play anymore, but come on, you've got to give it some value.Cesc Fabregas

A future that's starting to get complicated

Paz's current form isn't just exciting Como fans. It has also caught the attention of other European giants. According to the Italian press, Manchester United and Chelsea are closely following the midfielder, who has established himself as one of the standout figures on Fabregas's team.

That's where a detail that matters a great deal for the player's future comes into play: Real Madrid holds a buyback clause worth 80 million euros, which it can exercise between July 1 and July 15, 2027. Paz came up through the Spanish club's academy and joined Como on loan in 2024, where he quickly became a key piece. Real Madrid had already tried to bring him back before, but the player chose to stay in Italy, and the club had to make a major effort to buy his contract outright for 60 million euros.

Fabregas, for his part, wants to hold onto him for as long as possible to keep building the project. Paz himself had already explained why he decided to stay.

I feel like I have more room to grow here.Nico Paz

At 22, the Argentine is also looking to lock down a regular spot on the national team under Lionel Scaloni. Between his level in Serie A and his impact in the Champions League, it's no surprise that Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on his every move.