Enzo Fernandez has insisted Argentina represented their nation “in the best possible way” during the World Cup — despite a chaotic final that ended with him being sent off and ugly post-match brawls broadcast around the world.
The Chelsea midfielder became the first player to receive a red card in a World Cup final since 2010 after being dismissed in the 93rd minute following two yellow cards from Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. His second booking came for a challenge that sent Spain’s Pau Cubarsi “cartwheeling in the air”, while his first was for showing dissent after being denied a foul.
“Enzo Fernandez sent off in World Cup final; Hackett says he should have been dismissed earlier for dissent.”
But former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes Fernandez was “fortunate” not to have been given an earlier marching order. “I think that he was fortunate,” Hackett told Football Insider. “What was said was pretty robust … I wondered if that in itself was sufficient to warrant a red card.” He suggested the referee may not have seen Fernandez sarcastically applauding the initial yellow.
Fernandez, however, made no mention of the red card in a statement on social media. Instead, he wrote: “As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result. 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.”
Spain had won 1-0 after extra time in New Jersey, but the match was overshadowed by altercations at full-time. Argentina players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were all involved — Paredes pushed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat, while Ayala appeared to strike Dani Olmo. Fifa’s disciplinary committee has appointed a prosecutor to assess the incidents, and the Argentine Football Association could be fined.
Questions also linger over what happened behind closed doors before kick-off. Social media speculation has swirled about whether Lionel Messi told his teammates the final would be his last match for Argentina. Unverified footage from Argentine television company RLC Noticias showed Messi urging his teammates to “forget about everything else” as they walked to the tunnel.
Hackett placed some blame on Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, saying: “The manager, if he’s seen that, has a choice … to get a message to that player to improve his discipline.”