Argentina represented themselves in 'best possible way' at World Cup: Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez has defended Argentina’s World Cup campaign, saying the team “represented themselves in the best possible way” despite a turbulent final and a string of disciplinary flashpoints that have drawn scrutiny during and after the tournament.

The Chelsea midfielder was sent off in the closing stages of Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Spain after receiving a second yellow card for a heavy challenge on Pau Cubarsi. His dismissal came at the end of a match that was already described as tense and attritional, and it was the latest controversy in a campaign that had featured several unsavoury moments.

Argentina’s post-match behaviour has also come under the spotlight. Leandro Paredes was seen appearing to throw punches toward members of the Spain squad as the victors celebrated, prompting FIFA to open an investigation into possible disciplinary breaches. Argentina players also turned their backs as Spain collected their medals and the trophy, adding to the sense of hostility around the final.

The team had already faced criticism earlier in the competition. After beating England in the semi-finals, Argentina’s players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — a politically charged reference to the Falkland Islands, which remain a disputed issue between Argentina and Britain. The gesture was widely noted given the history of the 1982 conflict over the islands.

Fernandez did not address his sending-off in a message posted on Instagram, but said the group had shown commitment throughout the tournament and had given everything for the national shirt. “As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result,” he wrote. He added that for years the squad had represented Argentina “in the best possible way” and stressed that competing was about effort, pride and persistence rather than victory alone.

The 25-year-old, who was part of the Argentina side that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, said it had been a privilege to play for a team that “always stepped up, competed at the highest level, and defended these colours with pride, humility and commitment.” He thanked supporters for backing the side throughout the tournament and said wearing the national jersey remained the greatest honour of his career.

Fernandez’s hopes of helping Argentina to a second successive title ended when Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to settle the final. The defeat capped a campaign that had already been marked by criticism of Argentina’s defensive approach as well as the series of clashes on and off the pitch.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, another key figure in Argentina’s recent success, said he would reflect on his international future after the disappointment. The 33-year-old Aston Villa player, who helped Argentina win the World Cup four years ago, wrote that he had dreamed of lifting the trophy again and was deeply hurt by the result. He said he needed time to think about the next step and whether it might be time to step aside.

This report is based on a monitored public feed. Source attribution: Dawn Sport. Source: Dawn Sport - https://www.dawn.com/news/2017286/argentina-represented-themselves-in-best-possible-way-at-world-cup-fernandez