Enzo Fernandez says Argentina represented the country 'in the best way possible' — but FIFA is investigating what happened after the final
Sent off in the defeat to Spain, Enzo Fernandez defended the Argentine squad on social media — while FIFA probes incidents that broke out after the World Cup final.
Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain 1–0 after extra time in New Jersey. But Enzo Fernandez does not want that to be the group's only legacy.
Sent off during normal time — first for arguing with Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, then for a challenge on Pau Cubarsí that sent the Spanish defender flying — the Chelsea midfielder took to social media to defend the national team. "As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result," he wrote.
In the post, Fernandez praised the character of the squad: "For years, this group represented the team in the best way possible," he said, adding that competing goes beyond winning — it is "giving everything for the shirt and never giving up."
The problem is that the off-field picture complicates that narrative. According to the BBC, members of the Argentine delegation were involved in altercations with Spanish players during the title celebrations. FIFA has opened an investigation and appointed a disciplinary prosecutor to look into the incidents — any player or coaching staff member found to be involved could face a suspension.
Golmetria's model still sees Argentina as a force for the future: the squad appears with a 6.92% chance of winning the title and a 61.43% probability of reaching the final again. The market, meanwhile, gives Argentina an implied probability of 9.09% of winning the next tournament.
The question now is a different one: what will FIFA decide about what happened in New Jersey? The answer may determine who will — or will not — be on the pitch for the Albiceleste's next battles.