Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez claims his squad represented their nation “in the best possible way” at the World Cup, even after going down 1-0 to Spain in extra time on Sunday in New Jersey, a match that ended with some seriously ugly scenes. Fernandez was tossed late in normal time for two yellow cards, but his take on the game completely sidesteps his own dismissal and the chaotic brawl that erupted at the final whistle.
Enzo Fernandez’s Take Is Wild After His Red Card Exit
Fernandez’s first yellow card came from showing dissent to Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. He then got his marching orders for a challenge on Pau Cubarsi, sending the Spanish defender cartwheeling. You’d think a red card in a World Cup final would be a big deal, right? Well, in a statement posted on social media, the Chelsea midfielder didn’t even mention getting sent off. Instead, he wrote that “As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result.” He went on about how the group “represented the team in the best possible way” for years and that “competing isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.” It sounds like he thinks losing and getting ejected is still the “best possible way.”
Argentina’s Post-Match Meltdown Has FIFA Breathing Down Their Neck
While Fernandez was busy defending the team, other members of the Argentina squad and backroom staff were busy throwing down with Spain players who dared to celebrate their World Cup victory. It was a full-on brawl. FIFA’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the situation, and let me tell you, any player or coach involved could face suspension, with the Argentine Football Association potentially getting hit with a hefty fine.
Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to be right in the thick of it. Paredes pushed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat! Then, when Spain’s Gavi tried to break it up, Almada forced him to the ground, and Paredes pushed Gavi again, hand right in his face. Ayala looked to be holding Garcia around the throat himself, then appeared to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. Former England captain Alan Shearer called it out directly, saying Paredes “threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.” Former England keeper Joe Hart added, “The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaint.” They’re not wrong, folks.
What Was Messi REALLY Saying Before Kick-Off?
As if the post-match chaos wasn’t enough, there are still major questions about what went down behind closed doors before the game. Social media is buzzing with speculation about whether Lionel Messi told his teammates the final would be his last match for Argentina. Argentine television company RLC Noticias posted unverified footage appearing to show Messi urging calm on their way to the tunnel. “Let’s go, boys, [let’s keep] calm people, calm,” Messi says. “The main thing is for us to remain calm, boys, that we remain calm. Let’s just concentrate on playing, nothing else, calm, OK? Forget everything else. Let’s just play, let’s just concentrate on playing. Let’s go.”
The disciplinary committee has a big job ahead, and Argentina could face suspensions and fines. With questions still swirling around Messi and the team’s future, it’s clear this World Cup final drama is far from over.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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