Nico Paz has made Champions League history after scoring twice and providing an assist in Como’s stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester United, achieving a remarkable milestone last reached by Lionel Messi 17 years ago.

Messi’s Heir Nico Paz Makes History After Manchester United Humiliation

Nico Paz has written his name into Champions League history after producing an incredible performance in Como’s shocking 4-1 victory over Manchester United.

The 22-year-old Argentine midfielder scored twice and provided an assist as Cesc Fabregas’ side defeated the English giants on Wednesday night.

But his performance was about much more than helping Como secure a famous victory.

Paz also achieved a remarkable milestone that no Argentine player had managed since Lionel Messi 17 years ago.

Nico Paz destroys Manchester United

Como welcomed Manchester United to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on October 21, and Paz needed just two minutes to make his first major impact.

The Argentine found space near the penalty area before sending a brilliant left-footed shot into the corner.

Manchester United struggled to respond, and things became even worse after halftime.

In the 49th minute, Paz provided an excellent pass for Anastasios Douvikas to double Como’s lead.

Just eight minutes later, he scored his second goal after winning possession from Carlos Baleba.

Jacobo Ramon added Como’s fourth goal, while Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation for United.

The final score was Como 4-1 Manchester United, with Paz directly involved in three of his team’s four goals.

Nico Paz repeats Lionel Messi’s achievement after 17 years

According to reports citing Opta statistics, Paz achieved a special milestone that immediately brought comparisons with Lionel Messi.

At 22 years and 43 days old, Paz became the youngest Argentine player to contribute directly to at least three goals in a single Champions League match since Messi in April 2009.

That year, Messi produced a brilliant performance for Barcelona during their famous 4-0 victory over Bayern Munich.

The Argentine legend was only 21 years old at the time.

Now, 17 years later, Paz has become the first Argentine player younger than 23 to repeat that level of involvement in a Champions League game.

Although Paz has not broken Messi’s age record, his achievement shows why he is considered one of Argentina’s most exciting young talents.

Another historic record against Manchester United

The comparisons with Messi did not stop there.

According to Opta, Paz became the youngest player ever to contribute directly to at least three goals in a Champions League match against Manchester United.

He is only the fourth player to achieve that feat against the English club.

Paz also became the second-youngest South American player to score against Manchester United in Champions League history.

The youngest remains Messi, who scored against United in the 2009 Champions League final at the age of 21 years and 337 days.

Seventeen years later, another talented Argentine has created an unforgettable moment against the same club.

Nico Paz reacts to historic Champions League night

After the final whistle, Paz could hardly hide his happiness.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the Como midfielder described the victory as one of the greatest moments of his career.

He said the experience had gone beyond his dreams and called it a historic night for everyone connected with Como.

However, Paz also insisted that his team must remain focused and continue working hard.

Is Nico Paz Argentina’s next Lionel Messi?

Paz has attracted growing attention because of his technical ability, creativity and impressive performances in Italy.

The former Real Madrid youngster has already played alongside Messi for Argentina.

In October 2024, he even provided an assist for Messi during Argentina’s 6-0 victory over Bolivia.

Messi praised the youngster’s quality after that match, increasing excitement about his future.

Although replacing Messi would be an enormous challenge, Paz is showing why he could become an important player for Argentina in the coming years.

Manchester United suffer another embarrassing defeat

While Como celebrated a famous European victory, Manchester United were left facing serious questions.

Michael Carrick’s side have now gone seven consecutive matches without a victory in all competitions.

Como also became the first team to defeat Manchester United by more than two goals in their first-ever European Cup or Champions League meeting with the English club.

The result has increased the pressure on Carrick after another disappointing performance.

A new Argentine star makes his mark

Nico Paz entered the match as one of Argentina’s most exciting young players.

He left the pitch having delivered one of the most memorable individual performances of the Champions League season.

Two goals, one assist and several historic achievements against Manchester United have taken his reputation to another level.

It is still too early to suggest that Paz can follow Messi’s extraordinary career path.

However, his latest performance has given Argentina supporters another reason to feel excited about the future.

Seventeen years after Messi made Champions League history, Nico Paz has shown that Argentina’s next generation is ready to shine on Europe’s biggest stage.