Fernandez Stands by Argentina After Messi’s Final Questions

Constantvpn.com – Midfielder Enzo Fernandez has asserted that Argentina honored their country “in the best possible way” throughout the World Cup campaign, even though unpleasant moments occurred during and following their ultimate defeat against Spain. The Chelsea player participated in seven out of eight matches Argentina contested in the 2026 tournament.

Fernandez received a red card late in regular time after accumulating two yellow cards. Spain secured a 1-0 victory following extra time on Sunday in New Jersey. His initial caution came for expressing disagreement with Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. Later, Fernandez was dismissed for making contact with Pau Cubarsi during a challenge that sent the defender flipping through the air.

Despite the dismissal, the midfielder chose not to reference the red card in his social media statement. He wrote: “As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result.” Fernandez continued by reflecting on the squad’s legacy: “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.”

He concluded his message by emphasizing the honor of wearing the national colors: “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.”

Post-Match Altercations Draw FIFA Scrutiny

Members of the Argentina squad and coaching staff engaged in physical confrontations with Spanish players who had started celebrating their World Cup triumph. The Argentine Football Association could face financial penalties, while individual players and coaches might receive suspensions. Fifa’s disciplinary committee has assigned a prosecutor to evaluate the incidents.

Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all seemed involved in the scuffles. Paredes was observed pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat. Almada forced Gavi to the ground after the Spanish midfielder attempted to intervene. Paredes then pushed Gavi onto the turf by placing his hand in the Spaniard’s face.

Ayala appeared to grip Garcia around the neck before seemingly striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. These actions drew sharp criticism from former England internationals. Alan Shearer remarked: “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.” The former England captain added that while losing hurts, “there is a way to lose” and noted that Argentina’s post-match reactions have “too many times” been terrible.

Joe Hart, the former England goalkeeper, stated: “The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened. Disgusting behaviour.”

Messi’s Potential Farewell Sparks Speculation

While the on-pitch chaos was broadcast globally, questions emerged about events behind closed doors before kickoff. Social media speculation intensified regarding Argentina’s dressing room conversations, particularly whether Lionel Messi told his teammates this final would be his last appearance for the national team.

Argentine television network RLC Noticias shared video footage that appears to capture Messi encouraging his teammates to remain composed while walking to the tunnel. The clip, which the BBC has not independently verified, shows Messi saying: “Let’s go, boys, [let’s keep] calm people, calm. The main thing is for us to remain calm, boys, that we remain calm.”

He continued: “Let’s just concentrate on playing, nothing else – calm, OK? Forget everything else. Let’s just play, let’s just concentrate on playing. Let’s go.”

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni worked to de-escalate tensions during his post-match remarks. He explained: “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”

Argentina, who claimed World Cup titles in 1978, 1986, and 2022, won their opening seven matches in North America. They defeated Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England before falling to Spain. Against Egypt, Argentina overcame a 2-0 deficit to win three goals to two. In the semi-final against England, the Three Lions led 1-0 until the 85th minute, when goals from Fernandez and a header from Lautaro Martinez secured a 2-1 victory.

“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.”

“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.”