With his Champions League goal against Napoli, Real Madrid rookie Nico Paz overcame Alejandro Garnacho, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi.

WHAT HAPPENED?

At the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, with the score tied at two goals apiece, the Argentine was substituted for Brahim Diaz. Few would have predicted that the adolescent player would put his team ahead, but in the 84th minute, a wild long shot found the back of the net, setting up a 4-2 triumph. At 19 years, 2 months, and 21 days, he became the second youngest Argentine to score in the Champions League, cementing his position in history.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

When Messi scored for Barcelona against Panathinaikos in a 5-0 rout at Camp Nou on November 2, 2005, at the age of eighteen months, four months, and nine days, he set a record for the youngest person to accomplish this accomplishment. Garnacho opened his Champions League account against Galatasaray earlier on Wednesday night, finishing in second place following a masterful move. He is now 19 years, 4 months, and 29 days old. But Paz, who scored in his second European top-flight game, knocked him down to third place.THOUGHS OF NICO PAZAfter the game, Paz declared, “A dream come true.” My whole crew and team has congratulated me. We are a really amazing team.

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WHAT NEXT FOR PAZ?

Paz, who scored in the Champions League, will be looking to play more with Real Madrid’s first squad. The Argentine should be ready to take advantage of the opportunity when Los Blancos return to play on Saturday against Granada because the team is currently experiencing an injury crisis.