Enzo Fernandez speaks out after costly World Cup final red card
Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez has spoken out after being sent off during the World Cup final.
Argentina failed to win back-to-back World Cups after losing 1-0 to Spain at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last night.
During the game, Fernandez landed himself in a very small and unenviable club, becoming one of only six players to ever be sent off during a World Cup final.
The midfielder was shown a yellow card after dissent against referee Slavko Vincic, and then given a second yellow for a challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi.
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The reckless challenge meant that Fernandez left his team down to 10 men in extra time and was branded 'stupid' by former England star Alan Shearer.
Speaking during the BBC's match coverage, Shearer said: "He might just have cost his team massively, because you know now that Argentina are going to try to take it to penalties.
"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. That is stupid from him, it really is."
Shearer turned out to be correct, and Spain seized on the advantage with Ferran Torres scoring in the 109th minute to secure his team’s victory.
After the game, Fernandez avoided post-match interviews, but much like Messi earlier today, he has since taken to social media to share a statement.
"As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result,” he wrote.
“For years, this group has represented us 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. It has been a privilege to be part of a group that always stepped up, competed at the highest level, and defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment.
"I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for the affection, for the unconditional support, and for making us feel at home anywhere in the world.
"Wearing my country's jersey is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give my all every time I get to defend it."
As well as Fernandez’s sending off, there was more drama at last night’s game after Leandro Paredes was accused of throwing 'haymakers’ after the final whistle and then the Argentinian side was branded a ‘disgrace’ after turning their backs on Spain when they lifted up the trophy.
Although Fernandez didn’t comment directly on the controversy during last night’s final, FIFA has since confirmed it has launched an investigation.
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents,” a FIFA statement read.
“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”
While FIFA has announced the investigation into the conduct during the final, it’s still not known whether the committee is investigating Argentina players for holding up a banner proclaiming Argentinian sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after the win over England.
Last week, FIFA said it was ‘assessing match reports’ before deciding on further action.
A FIFA spokesperson told LADbible: “As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the Fifa Disciplinary Code.”
It's unclear if FIFA will launch a formal investigation into the incident.
Claire Reid