Enzo Fernandez has issued a statement on social media after he was sent off in Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain on Sunday.
The Chelsea midfielder was shown two yellow cards in New Jersey, the first for dissent, and the second for a rash tackle on Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi in the dying minutes of normal time.
Fernandez has come under scrutiny for his antics throughout the tournament, which included an emotive celebration against England in the semi-final.
He followed that up with a post mocking the Three Lions on his Instagram story, before eventually deleting the post.
His message did not include a reference to his red card, and read: “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.
“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 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.”
Fernandez in trouble at Chelsea
Chelsea’s £100m+ midfielder has already expressed his desire to leave the Premier League side this summer, and has previously been disciplined for admitting he would love to play for Real Madrid.
When he returns to Stamford Bridge, he will be met by new management in Xabi Alonso, a former Los Blancos head coach.
So far, no clubs have put in an offer for the 25-year-old, including Jose Mourinho’s Spanish giants.
And after putting himself in such a precarious position, Fernandez’s reception may not be very pleasant on his first outing back at Stamford Bridge.
The same may be said of Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who was seen celebrating in the faces of both Jordan Pickford and Jude Bellingham in the aftermath of the semi-final.
He also took to social media after the dust had settled on the ugly scenes of the final, saying: “And this time, it just wasn’t meant to be. And believe me, it hurts. It hurts deeply, because no one wanted to keep writing this beautiful story more than we did.
“We dreamed of bringing the trophy home again, but it didn’t happen. But if there is one thing we will never lack, it is total commitment. We gave it our all.
“We finished second, but we never stopped representing Argentina with the pride and dedication this jersey deserves.”
The 28-year-old added: “Today, we have to pick ourselves up, start over, work harder, believe more, and prepare so that this jersey returns to the very top – right where we placed it ourselves over these past few years.
“Because finals aren’t handed to you; you earn them by getting there. And this group — and whoever comes next — will keep fighting, united, with the same hope and drive as always.”
Paredes off the hook for Gavi punch
Leandro Paredes stole a lot of headlines on Sunday night for his violent actions at full-time.
After confronting Aymeric Laporte and grabbing him around the throat, he threw Barcelona star Gavi to the floor as he ran past in celebrations.
But the aggression did not stop there. He continued to attack the young midfielder while he was on the ground, throwing punches and connecting with his opponent’s face on several occassions.
But according to reports, Paredes, alongside the rest of his Argentina team-mates, has escaped any punishment for his actions.
FIFA had initially reported that Paredes was shown a red card at full-time, but this has been confirmed as a mistake in the system.
Like Romero and Fernandez, his social media post made no reference to his thuggish actions.
He said: “Thank you Argentina!! I love you today and always.
“Today I write with a heavy heart for not being able to give you the joy our country so deserves, but with my heart full of pride for giving everything we had and raising our flag high once again!
“Thank you to everyone who was part of this team, to this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, just like they did until the very last second of every match!”
FIFA are still set to investigate the finer details of the brawl at full-time, although the institution has followed a theme of leniency across the World Cup this summer.