Cesc Fabregas Heaps Praise On Nico Paz And Claims Opponents ‘Compete Against Him Differently’

Nico Paz has been praised by Como boss Cesc Fabregas who claims opponents ‘compete against him differently.’ 

Paz has enjoyed an electric start to the new season. On MD4, the Argentine provided a brace of assists as the Lariani beat Fiorentina 2-1 at the Artemio Franchi.

So far in 2025-26, the 21-year-old has five goal contributions in as many games across all competitions. Such form has prompted Fabregas to liken the attacking midfielder to Lionel Messi.

Cesc Fabregas Praises Argentine Star

“If you ask me, when every team played against Barcelona, surely they didn’t want Messi to touch the ball. He would score three goals per game, Cesc Fabregas told reporters after the MD4 win.

“I don’t know. This is a positive thing for Nico. I mean, this will happen more. I said it at the beginning of the season, I told him too. This tells me now that they look at you differently. They want to compete against you in a different way.”

Fabregas played alongside eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi at Barca. His comments certainly don’t put him on par with the global superstar, but strongly suggest opponents adapt to play against players who boast such flair and creativity.

Will Nico Paz Re-Join Real Madrid?

According to the latest Nico Paz transfer news, Real Madrid will likely re-sign the Argentine next summer. When Los Blancos sold him to Como last year, they inserted a number of buyback options.

Owing to Paz’s blistering form in Italy, it would be unsurprising if Xabi Alonso’s side didn’t try to lure him back to the Bernabeu.

They can do so for as little as €10million next summer. Naturally, Fabregas will be hoping that Real turn their attentions to other targets but that seems extremely unlikely.

Especially if the 16-time UCL winners sold players such as Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz to make room for Paz in their roster for 2026-27.

Nico Paz’s 2026 World Cup Hopes

As it stands, Nico Paz is a strong contender to be included in the Argentina squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament – which will predominantly be played in the US – would be the perfect reward for Paz’s form.

Understandably, places are only given to those who fully deserve it and Paz is certainly there or thereabouts. The 21-year-old has already played four times for the 2022 winners so head coach Lionel Scaloni knows exaclty what he can offer.

And from Paz’s perspective, he could potentially line up alongside Lionel Messi in what is surely his last bow on soccer’s biggest international stage.