Argentina red card: Enzo reacts after World Cup final loss
Argentina's World Cup title defence ended in a 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain after an Argentina red card for Enzo Fernández late in normal time. The Chelsea midfielder was dismissed for two yellows—dissent, then a challenge on Pau Cubarsí—before Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute. Fernández later pledged to keep giving his all for the national team.
Key Takeaways
- Enzo Fernández received an Argentina red card late in normal time in the World Cup final against Spain in New Jersey.
- Spain won 1-0 after extra time via a 106th-minute Ferran Torres goal, ending Argentina's bid for back-to-back titles.
- Fernández did not mention the dismissal in his statement, stressing pride, commitment, and support for the jersey.
- FIFA opened an investigation into post-final altercations involving Argentina players and staff.
- Questions swirl over Lionel Messi's international future after an emotional defeat and tears at full-time.
What happened with the Argentina red card in the final?
According to BBC Sport, Fernández was booked first for dissent toward Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. He was later sent off for catching Spain defender Pau Cubarsí with a challenge that sent Cubarsí cartwheeling.
ESPN reported the first caution came eight minutes from the end of normal time, with the second yellow arriving three minutes into stoppage time. Argentina then played short-handed into extra time before Torres struck in the 106th minute.
Fernández had featured in seven of Argentina's eight World Cup matches. The defending champions had won their first seven games in North America before falling to Spain.
How did Enzo Fernández and Argentina respond?
In a social media statement quoted by ESPN and BBC, Fernández did not address the red card directly. He said competing is about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up, calling it a privilege to defend Argentina's colours with pride, humility, and commitment.
He thanked fans for unconditional support and said wearing the national jersey is the greatest honour of his career, pledging to keep giving his all. Teammate Cristian Romero similarly wrote that the pain was deep but commitment never lacked.
Manager Lionel Scaloni said Argentina must be gracious in defeat, accepting the loss while not forgetting what the team achieved to reach the final.
Why are Messi questions dominating the aftermath?
Messi was in tears at the end and later wrote that the pain is immense and the wound will take time to heal, while holding onto the good. Argentine media have framed the final as a possible end of an era, with Messi unlikely to play at another World Cup.
BBC noted unverified speculation about whether Messi told teammates the final would be his last international match. Footage circulating online—not verified by the BBC—appeared to show him urging calm before kickoff and telling teammates to concentrate on playing.
After the whistle, ugly scenes followed: FIFA's disciplinary committee appointed a prosecutor after altercations involving figures including Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Thousands still welcomed returning players in Buenos Aires, while Messi headed to Miami with Inter Miami.
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