From France '98 to 2026: The generational baton pass for Argentina

Twenty-eight years after their fathers shared the pitch at the World Cup, Giuliano Simeone and Nico Paz are writing a new chapter for the Albiceleste.

The corridors of football history often echo with familiar names, but rarely do the timelines align as perfectly as they have for Argentina this summer. In the intense heat of the 2026 Mundial, two young stars—Giuliano Simeone and Nico Paz—are not just playing for their country; they are carrying a legacy that began nearly three decades ago. It is a rare, poetic symmetry that has captivated fans who remember the grit of the 1998 squad and are now witnessing the next generation take the stage.

Back in Francia 1998, under the tactical guidance of Daniel Passarella, Diego Simeone and Pablo Paz were teammates fighting for the same crest. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the group stages, notably during a hard-fought victory against Croatia. Watching that tournament on television, one could hardly predict that their sons would eventually replicate that exact professional trajectory, evolving from young prospects into vital components of Lionel Scaloni’s modern system.

The weight of the jersey

The story of the Simeone and Paz families has become a talking point across social media, with fans frequently using WhatsApp to share clips of the fathers’ old highlights alongside the sons' recent performances. While Nico Paz has already marked his tournament debut with a confident showing against Algeria, Giuliano has been busy carving out his own identity after a strong stint in Europe. Their inclusion in the squad is more than a sentimental nod; it is a tactical choice by a coaching staff that values continuity and pedigree.

This isn’t just a feel-good narrative for the archives. For the first time in the history of the Selección Argentina, the sons of two former teammates from the same World Cup roster are representing the nation at a subsequent global tournament. They have already shared the pitch during the qualifying rounds, signaling that this isn't a one-off curiosity but a structural shift in how the team is being built.

Why it matters

The broader trend here is the professionalisation of football dynasties. In the current era, where youth academies operate with unprecedented precision, having a father who navigated the pressures of a World Cup provides a unique, intangible advantage. For Scaloni, this pair represents a bridge between two eras: the tactical discipline of the late 90s and the high-pressing, fluid football that delivered the 2022 trophy.

The pressure on these players to live up to their surnames is immense, yet both have shown a level of maturity that suggests they are grounded. As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on whether this duo can help Argentina defend their global title. Regardless of the outcome, the fact that they are sharing this journey—just as their fathers did—serves as a reminder that the cycle of elite sport is never truly broken; it simply evolves.