Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football with Argentina earlier this month, and Chelsea are now scouting a player Emi Martinez thinks can become Argentina’s new no.10.

Strangely, Argentina’s last game with Messi playing was against African minnows Benin. The pocket-sized magician scored and laid on two assists in a 3-0 win. The other player to score was Como’s Nico Paz.

The feeling in Argentina was that the torch had been passed from Messi to Paz. The duo are completely different in terms of physique, with Paz taller at 6ft 1in, but the Como sensation is showing huge promise.

Indeed, he scored a brace against Manchester United on Wednesday night, as Cesc Fabregas’ Como won 4-1 against Michael Carrick’s beleaguered side. Now, Chelsea want to sign Paz and have sent scouts.

Emi Martinez believes Nico Paz can be Argentina’s next no.10

As Messi calls time on his Argentina career, supporters are left to ponder who will ever fill the void – and if anyone ever can. Paz was asked if he will wear the no.10 shirt after Messi, but said: “I don’t know”.

However, Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez is confident he can. After scoring in a 4-0 win over Bolivia on October 1, Paz posted on Instagram, and Martinez was among the commenters: “New Number 10?”

With Martinez likely out for the next six league games, how do you feel about Mike Penders as Chelsea's No.1?

A broken jaw is expected to keep Martinez out for 45-60 days…

Clearly, Martinez feels Paz is capable of filling the void left by Messi. If reports are to be believed, the former Real Madrid star could end up joining him at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea very interested.

The Blues have been linked with Paz in the past, but the latest report says Chelsea are willing to pay a big fee and have no qualms about doing so. Real Madrid have a buyback clause in Paz’s deal worth £70m.

Nico Paz’s career in numbers, including incredible Como form

When Paz joined Como from Real Madrid, the Argentine had only played eight senior games for the Spanish giants – scoring one goal. There was plenty of hype, but not many predicted what was coming.

Over the course of the last two seasons, Paz has had a hand in 45 goals for Como, playing just 85 times in all competitions. A stunning record, with Paz seemingly getting better and better with every appearance.

This season, Paz has scored four goals and laid on five assists in 10 appearances including his two goals and assist against Manchester United. Not only that, but he has four goals in 14 caps for Argentina.

Paz is one of the world’s most-exciting young talents. A genuine future superstar with the biggest shoes to fill, but judging by his form under Fabregas in Italy, he might just help Argentina fans move on.