Enzo Fernandez's World Cup final ended in disgrace. The Chelsea midfielder was sent off just before extra time, leaving Argentina with 10 men and ultimately unable to defend their trophy as Spain won 1-0 through Ferran Torres's 106th-minute goal.
Fernandez, 25, received his first yellow card for disputing a call by referee Slavko Vincic, then was booked again in stoppage time for a late tackle on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. BBC pundit Alan Shearer called it "stupid", saying: "With him already being on a yellow card for something stupid - backchatting to the referee. And when you're on a yellow, you cannot, cannot make a challenge like that."
“Enzo Fernandez sent off as Argentina lose World Cup final; Argentine media brand his performance one of the worst”
Argentine media were scathing. La Nacion gave Fernandez a rating of 4 out of 10, noting he "never looked comfortable" and seemed "playing out of sync", while his challenge on Cubarsi went "too far" at a "crucial moment". Ole also awarded a 4, insisting the 25-year-old "lost his sparkle" against Spain, appearing "tired and exhausted" when making the tackle.
The performance was a stark contrast to days earlier, when Fernandez rescued Argentina from a semi-final exit against England. But in the final, he and midfield partner Alexis Mac Allister were identified as the players who "dropped furthest back", with Fernandez concentrating on "the dirty work role" to the detriment of his attacking game. Argentina did not register a single shot until the 117th minute.
Fernandez's dismissal, described by Argentine media as one of the worst matches of the World Cup, leaves a stain on an otherwise brilliant tournament for the midfielder and his nation.