Enzo Fernández shares statement after World Cup defeat as FIFA investigates final brawl
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Argentina soccer player Enzo Fernández has issued a statement following his side's World Cup defeat to Spain on Sunday.
The Chelsea star was sent off in the World Cup final, which ultimately cost his nation as Spain ended up winning the tie by one goal to nil.
Fernández was shown a second yellow card for a wild challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi, which former England star Alan Shearer branded as 'stupid'.
Speaking during the BBC's match coverage, the retired football star wrote: "He might just have cost his team massively, because you know now that Argentina are going to try to take it to penalties.
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"With him already being on a yellow card for something stupid - backchatting to the referee.
"And when you're on a yellow, you cannot, cannot make a challenge like that. That is stupid from him, it really is."
In the aftermath of the World Cup defeat, Fernández took to Instagram to issue a statement.
"As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result,” he wrote.
“For years, this group has represented us 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."
Fernández continued: "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."
There were ugly scenes after the final whistle on Sunday, which saw Argentine player pushing Spain defender Eric García in post-match chaos described as 'disgusting'.
"Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them," Shearer said on commentary.
FIFA has since launched an investigation into the brawl, with a statement from the governing body reading: "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents."