Enzo Fernandez insists Argentina gave their best despite a controversial World Cup campaign ending in final heartbreak. Photo: AFP/FILE
LONDON:
Enzo Fernandez insists Argentina represented themselves in the “best possible way” at the World Cup despite the Chelsea midfielder’s red card in the final and a host of ugly incidents in their controversial campaign.
Fernandez was sent off for a second booking after clattering into Spain’s Pau Cubarsi in the closing stages of normal time in Sunday’s 1-0 loss.
The 25-year-old’s premature exit was the latest in a series of clashes to cast a shadow over Argentina’s run to the final.
World soccer’s governing body FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the post-match brawl that erupted after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in a chaotic World Cup final.
Tensions boiled over after Spain secured their second World Cup title courtesy of an extra-time winner from winger Ferran Torres. Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men in the 93rd minute of normal time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card.
Leandro Paredes appeared to throw punches at members of the Spain squad as they celebrated their victory, with FIFA subsequently launching an investigation into potential disciplinary breaches following the unsavoury post-match scenes.
They also turned their backs on Spain when the Spanish received their medals and the trophy.
Argentina’s players also caused controversy by displaying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine) after beating England in the semi-finals.
Argentina invaded the British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic in 1982.
But Britain regained the archipelago in a brief war after then prime minister Margaret Thatcher dispatched a naval taskforce.
Fernandez took to Instagram to defend his country for their World Cup performance, but made no mention of his sending off in his message to supporters.
“As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result,” he said.
“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.”
Fernandez was a member of the Argentina team that beat France to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But Fernandez’s hopes of a second successive title were shattered after his dismissal as Ferran Torres’s 106th-minute strike settled a dour final marred by Argentina’s defensive tactics.
“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,” he said.
“I want to thank all the Argentina 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.”
Meanwhile, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will consider his international future in the aftermath of the final heartbreak.
The 33-year-old Aston Villa star, who won the World Cup four years ago, said on Instagram: “I dreamed of winning it again; I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more.
“Honestly, the pain is hard to put into words. Now I have to reflect on many things, see how to move forward, and decide if it’s time to step aside.
“I am truly sorry. I gave it my all to help my country and my team-mates.”
At the final whistle, Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes clashed with several Spanish players, including defender Eric Garcia and midfielder Gavi, triggering a broader brawlbetween the two sets of players.
The teams exchanged shoves and had to be physically separated, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni trying to calm down the players at the end of the ill-tempered encounter.
No timeframe was given for the conclusion of the investigation.
