Ahead of the quarter-final match against Switzerland, Argentina midfielder Nico Paz was interviewed by FIFA.com, where he spoke about his father's help, the feeling of playing with Messi, and looked forward to the upcoming match. He stated that his father instilled in him from a young age the passion all Argentinians have for the national team, and said that playing with Messi, even if only briefly on the same field like in a warm-up match, was a lifelong dream.

Nico Paz, only 21 years old, is the youngest player in Argentina's squad for this FIFA World Cup. He was born in Spain and spent his entire youth career there until making his first-team debut for Real Madrid, but when it came to choosing which national team to play for, he never hesitated. Now, this midfielder is experiencing his first FIFA World Cup, playing alongside Messi and witnessing the captain's final FIFA World Cup journey. He admitted that he is living a dream.

"It's a great honor, a dream I've had since childhood. My father instilled in me from a young age the passion all Argentinians have for the national team. He would print me Argentina jerseys with my name on them and silently support me from afar," he said in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com.

His father is former Argentine professional player Pablo Paz, and Nico said his father's playing career also made him believe that he would one day reach this point: "My father taught me so much. He wore the Argentina jersey in the FIFA World Cup, and all of this made my dream journey much smoother. From a young age, he made me understand that it's not out of reach."

Paz also admitted that he still finds it hard to process this special opportunity. This FIFA World Cup is likely Messi's last, and being able to participate with Messi makes this opportunity too rare. "I try to make myself realize how precious this moment is, but it's really difficult. Who wouldn't aspire to such an experience? Representing your homeland in the FIFA World Cup, and being with Messi for his last FIFA World Cup..." the left-footed player mused.

After the FIFA World Cup, he will continue to play for Como in Italy. He then elaborated on what it's like to be with his idol day in and day out: "Playing alongside Messi is simply dreamlike. I never thought I could replace him; that's simply impossible. He's the greatest player in history; there will never be another Messi. To be on the same team and play with him, even if it's just briefly on the same field like in a warm-up match, is a lifelong dream."

Furthermore, the midfielder also spoke about the immense love from fans he has received since joining the Argentina national team, admitting that he "didn't expect so many people to like me." At the same time, this affection has not added pressure; quite the opposite: "The fans' support makes me more relaxed and confident on the field, and I want to repay them with my performance." He got playing time in a warm-up match against Jordan earlier, and although he hasn't played since, he is highly valued by head coach Scaloni.

Finally, Nico Paz turned his attention to the upcoming quarter-finals, analyzing Argentina's next opponent, Switzerland, and stating that the team has completely moved past eliminating Egypt and is fully focused on preparing for this match.

"Many players in the Swiss squad have excellent ball control. We must play a high-quality game to advance. The entire team will correct previous mistakes and fight with all our might to pursue the dream of winning the championship," Paz concluded.

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