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Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has defended Argentina's performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team represented the country with pride despite their defeat to Spain in the final and the controversy that followed the match.
Argentina's bid to retain the world title ended with a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. Fernandez's evening ended in disappointment after he was sent off late in normal time. He had already received a yellow card for dissent before collecting a second booking following a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
Despite the dismissal, Fernandez chose not to address the incident directly in a statement shared on social media. Instead, he reflected on the team's journey throughout the tournament and the commitment shown by the squad.
He said that, with time, it becomes clear there are things more important than the final result. According to Fernandez, the group consistently represented Argentina in the best possible way, demonstrating that true competition is about giving everything for the national team and refusing to give up. He added that it had been an honour to be part of a squad that always competed with pride, humility and commitment.
The final, however, was overshadowed by heated confrontations after the final whistle. Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff became involved in altercations with Spain's players as celebrations got underway. Television footage appeared to show Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala among those involved.
Paredes was seen confronting Spain defender Eric Garcia, while Almada appeared to force Gavi to the ground during the confrontation. Ayala also seemed to clash with Spanish players before the situation was eventually brought under control.
FIFA has since launched disciplinary proceedings to investigate the incidents. A disciplinary and ethics prosecutor has been appointed to review the evidence, with individual players, coaches and the Argentine Football Association potentially facing sanctions.
Away from the post-match scenes, speculation has continued over Lionel Messi's international future. Reports in Argentina have suggested the World Cup final could have been his final appearance for the national team, although neither Messi nor the Argentine Football Association has confirmed any decision.
Unverified footage circulating on social media appeared to show Messi encouraging his teammates to remain calm as they walked toward the pitch before kickoff. The Argentina captain reportedly urged the squad to stay focused on the match and ignore outside distractions.
Former England captain Alan Shearer criticised Argentina's conduct after the match, saying the players crossed the line with their reaction to defeat. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart also condemned the behaviour, describing it as unacceptable.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni sought to ease tensions during his post-match comments, stressing that while the team had accepted defeat, they also remained proud of everything they had achieved to reach another World Cup final.
Although questions remain over the future of both Scaloni and Messi, thousands of supporters welcomed the squad home in Buenos Aires, celebrating the team's run to a second consecutive World Cup final despite falling short against Spain.
