Video: Nico Paz scores another screamer in Messi’s final match for Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - OCTOBER 06: Nico Paz of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the International Friendly match between Argentina and Benin at Estadio Monumental Antonio V. Liberti on October 06, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lionel Messi is making his final appearance for Argentina following his announcement of international retirement on 31 August. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Nico Paz was on the scoresheet for the third time in three games as he found the corner of the net from outside the penalty area in Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday morning. 

Como star Paz came off the bench in Messi’s final international match in the early hours of Wednesday morning, an eventual 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires, having started in his nation’s two previous matches this international break. 

It took the talented 22-year-old just three minutes to find the back of the net after being introduced as a second-half substitute. 

He received the ball from Messi himself in the right half space before shifting the ball onto his left foot and bending into the far corner of the net from 25 yards out. 

This was his third goal in three matches for Argentina this international break, bringing his tally up to four goals and an assist from nine matches across all competitions for club and country in 2026-27.

• Read more: Como star Nico Paz has big shoes to fill after Messi’s Argentina national team retirement
• Read more: Gasperini explains why Dybala and Molina will not attend Messi’s final match with the Argentina national team: ‘I’m sorry’

Watch: Paz screamer in Messi’s final international match 

Lionel Messi sets up Nico Paz for a beautiful curling left footer 😍

Argentina’s current No. 10 handing the baton to his successor in that shirt number? 👀🇦🇷 https://t.co/rZpyr32v9F

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 7, 2026