Enzo Fernandez opted not to address his red card in the World Cup final in an emotional statement after Argentina’s defeat to Spain.
Argentina failed to make it back-to-back World Cups as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain after extra time.
Spain were deserving winners with Lionel Scaloni’s side content to getting behind the ball and showing no ambition to test the La Roja defence until Ferran Torres broke the deadlock.
The task was made all the more difficult for Lionel Scaloni’s men towards the end of normal time when Fernandez was sent off.
He picked up two yellow cards; the first for dissent against the referee, while the second was for a rash challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi when winning the ball was never likely.
Fernandez’s recklessness had England fans celebrating but no doubt numerous Argentina supporters will point the finger of blame at the Chelsea midfielder.
But in his first social media comments since Argentina’s heartbreak, Fernandez did not acknowledge his dismissal in one of the biggest games of his life.
Fernandez statement
“We gave it our all; for the second World Cup in a row, we reached the final, but this time it just wasn’t meant to be,” Fernandez said on Instagram.
“I am so proud to be Argentine. I would have liked to try and help the team out on the pitch yesterday, but oh well.
“Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout this World Cup – traveling kilometre after kilometre to be close to us – and to everyone who cheered us on from every corner of our country.”
“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.
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“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.”
Bad blood
Fernandez’s red was a sign of things to come with tensions boiling over at full time.
Spain’s immediate celebrations at full time were marred by violent scenes on the MetLife Stadium pitch with furious Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes seen shoving and throwing punches at Spain stars Gavi and Eric Garcia.
FIFA has since opened an investigation into the post-match chaos and talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor is adamant the book should be thrown at Paredes.
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“If you watch it back, Paredes on Garcia, he grabs his neck. And the way Garcia’s neck jolts, that’s assault, it’s as simple as that,” Agbonlahor said.
“You want to feel safe on the pitch, the punishment has to be that big that no one ever does that again.
“No matter what happens in football, you can be angry you lost, but be classy in defeat. If you want to fight Paredes, there are places to fight – not on the pitch against Garcia.
“And the way he was manhandling Gavi, a 21-year-old kid, and you were throwing him around on the pitch, that’s someone’s son, brother.
“Disgraceful. I would ban him from the whole next tournament if I had my way. Coward.”
