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Como playmaker Nico Paz is facing uncertainty over his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina due to a knee injury.

The 21-year-old prodigy has already been listed by coach Lionel Scaloni in Argentina’s official squad for the tournament.

However, his availability remains in doubt as he continues to struggle with recovery from a left knee problem.

This issue has sidelined him for Como’s last two Serie A matches, raising concerns about his readiness for the global event.

The Argentine medical team has been dispatched to monitor Paz’s condition in Como and accompany him during the national team’s journey to the United States.

Unfortunately, the discomfort persists. The injury appears to stem from a kneecap problem rather than ligament damage.

There is growing concern that the Real Madrid academy graduate might not recover in time, with the tournament’s kickoff just a week away.

Argentina’s opening group stage match against Algeria is scheduled for June 16, 2026 — less than two weeks away.

Scaloni has reportedly begun preparing contingency plans in case Paz, who was named Serie A’s Best Midfielder for the 2025–2026 season, cannot feature in the World Cup.

Paz recently provided an update on his recovery through a social media post, saying, “Final days of recovery. Can’t wait to get started,” in his Instagram Story on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Despite that, Argentine outlet TyC Sports reports that Scaloni has already identified a potential replacement should Paz be ruled out.

The candidate is Aston Villa playmaker Emiliano Buendia, who recently helped the club win the UEFA Europa League.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder was previously included in Argentina’s preliminary 55-man squad on May 11 but was later dropped when the list was trimmed to 26 players on May 28.

Now, the devoted Lionel Messi fan could yet earn a recall to the national team as a backup option if Paz fails to recover in time.

Scaloni has reportedly asked Buendia to remain on standby in case a last-minute change to the 26-man roster becomes necessary.

According to FIFA regulations, teams are allowed to replace injured outfield players up to 24 hours before their first World Cup match.

Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia is ready to fill Nico Paz’s role in Argentina’s World Cup squad should the latter’s injury persist.

Motivation Named Messi

“Emiliano Buendia has received contact from the national team in recent hours,” TyC Sports reported on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

“He has been instructed not to take leave and to continue training over the next few days as a precaution in case any of the 26 players withdraw due to injury.”

Losing Nico Paz would deprive Argentina of a creative option to support or cover for captain Lionel Messi.

However, Buendia’s recent form offers promising alternatives. The Real Madrid academy product, who made his professional debut with Getafe, recorded 11 goals and 9 assists in 54 appearances for Aston Villa last season.

His contributions were key to The Villans finishing high in the Premier League table and winning the Europa League title.

Buendia also carries an extra motivation — the chance to play alongside his idol, Messi.

Having earned only two caps for La Albiceleste, Buendia once revealed that Messi personally encouraged him to represent Argentina instead of Spain, the country where he had lived since age 12.

“He said to me, ‘I know you’ve played for Spain’s youth teams. What will you do? Will you play for Argentina?’” Buendia recalled in an interview with Birmingham Mail, as cited by BolaSport.com.

“Of course, I told him, ‘I want to play for Argentina. I want to play with them and with you.’”

“He’s my idol, and to me, he’s the greatest player of all time,” Buendia added, recalling their first encounter during a Barcelona vs Getafe match in 2015.