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Enzo Fernandez has broken his silence after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, posting a defence of his squad on social media while saying nothing about the red card that cut his final short. Spain won the match in New Jersey on Sunday, ending Argentina's unbeaten run of seven victories in North America.
Fernandez was dismissed late in normal time after picking up two yellow cards — the first for dissent towards referee Slavko Vincic, the second for a challenge on Pau Cubarsi that sent the defender airborne. In his post-match statement, the Chelsea midfielder wrote: 'For years, this group has represented the team in the best possible way. It teaches that competing isn't just about winning; it's about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.'
The ugliness did not end at the final whistle. Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were all caught up in altercations with celebrating Spain players. Paredes pushed Eric Garcia by the throat and shoved Gavi to the turf. Ayala appeared to strike Dani Olmo. FIFA's disciplinary committee has appointed a prosecutor to assess the incidents — suspensions and an Argentine Football Association fine are both on the table.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said in his post-match interview that his side must 'be gracious in defeat', while Lionel Messi — who did not travel back to Buenos Aires with the squad, returning instead to Miami — posted that 'the pain is immense'. Questions linger over whether Messi told team-mates before kick-off that this was his final Argentina appearance. Unverified footage circulating on social media appears to show him urging calm in the tunnel, though the BBC has not confirmed its authenticity.