Argentine media rip into Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez for World Cup final horror show
Argentine media have harshly criticised Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after he was sent off in their World Cup final loss to Spain.
Fernandez received his marching orders in added time at the end of the final clash for a second yellow card.
He was initially booked for dissent in the 82nd minute, then picked up a red for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Argentina were unable to go back-to-back as Ferran Torres' extra-time strike saw Spain win their second World Cup trophy.
Lionel Scaloni's side were already on the back foot for most of the game, and Fernandez's sending off meant they had no choice but to soak in pressure in extra time.
The Chelsea star may feel as if his decision to try to win the ball off Cubarsi ultimately cost his country the chance to win a successive World Cup crown.
Argentine outlets fume at Enzo Fernandez's all-round showing vs Spain
Fernandez was one of Argentina's best players in their semi-final win against England, as he equalised with a long-range strike late on.
The 25-year-old struggled to impose himself against superior opposition on Sunday night, however, as he failed to create a chance or have a shot on goal.
He only completed one successful dribble, one tackle and two recoveries, while winning three of nine attempted ground duels and committing three fouls.
The red card simply completed a dismal performance from the Chelsea star, with several national media titles outlining their thoughts on his showing after the game.
La Pagina Millionaira said: "Started in the number five role, just as he had finished the match against England, but was inaccurate and lacklustre. At times he struggled to cope with Spain’s attacking passing game and, following Paredes’ introduction, moved into a central midfield role. In the second half he was virtually invisible; he was shown a yellow card for a gesture towards the referee and was sent off for a foul on Cubarsi."
While TYC Sports wrote: "He struggled in his role as a 'central midfielder'. He couldn’t get on the ball, failed to win it back, and when he did have it at his feet, his long passes were simply sent forward. With no chance of creating any fluidity in the team’s play, he tried to break free, but that was when Spain made things a little more difficult for him.
"His lacklustre performance didn’t improve when Paredes came on and, to make matters worse, a clumsy and ill-timed challenge left the team down to ten men. Enzo, who was the best player against England, didn’t have a good game this time."
Then Bolavip were also critical of Fernandez, saying: "First half (5): Always well-positioned. Solid in defence and precise with his passing, although he did take a few unnecessary risks at times.
"Second half (4): Enzo was largely absent in the opening minutes of the second half. In the closing stages, he showed determination, making repeated challenges. He was booked in the 37th minute for protesting, although his reaction was rather over the top. He picked up a second yellow in the 92nd minute and was shown a red card."
What is the latest on Fernandez's Chelsea future?
Fernandez has been a key man for Chelsea ever since he earned a move to the club off the back of his impressive 2022 World Cup showings.
He enjoyed a fine individual campaign in 2025-26, with 26 goal contributions in 61 games, but the Blues' failure to reach European football has cast his future into doubt.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Fernandez would be open to joining Man City as Enzo Maresca aims to reunite with him this summer.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made it clear that he wants Fernandez to stay at Stamford Bridge, though, with Real Madrid also keen.