Enzo Fernandez vows to give his all for Argentina after World Cup final red card

Fernandez breaks silence after costly dismissal

Enzo Fernandez has pledged to 'keep giving his all' for Argentina after a red card in the World Cup final contributed to the team's heartbreak. The Chelsea midfielder was sent off during the showpiece match, leaving his side a man down in a crucial phase of the game.

Argentina ultimately fell short in the final, losing the title they won in 2022. The defeat has triggered questions about the team's discipline and the future of several key players, including Lionel Messi.

Viral clip adds to scrutiny

In the aftermath of the final, a viral clip emerged on social media showing Argentina players in an altercation. The video has drawn widespread criticism, with one report quoting an unnamed source calling the team's conduct 'embarrassing'.

The Argentine Football Association has not yet issued an official statement on the clip. The incident has added to the pressure on the squad as they return home to face a disappointed fanbase.

Messi's future in doubt

The defeat has also revived questions about Lionel Messi's international career. At 39, the captain has not confirmed whether he will continue playing for Argentina. Messi was visibly distraught after the final whistle, and reports suggest he may be considering retirement from international football.

Fernandez, however, was clear about his own commitment. 'I will keep giving my all for this shirt,' he said in a brief statement. 'We feel the pain of the loss, but we will rise again.'

Fernandez's red card analysed

The red card was a turning point in the final. Replays showed Fernandez catching an opponent with a high boot, a challenge the referee deemed reckless. The decision left Argentina chasing the game with 10 men for over 30 minutes.

Former players and pundits have debated whether the punishment was too harsh. Some argue that the referee could have shown a yellow card, while others insist Fernandez's tackle was dangerous and warranted a sending off.

What happens next for Argentina

Argentina's World Cup campaign is over, but the fallout is just beginning. The Argentine Football Association is expected to review the team's performance and conduct. Coach Lionel Scaloni's position is also under scrutiny after the team's failure to retain the trophy.

For Fernandez, the focus will be on returning to Chelsea and proving his worth in the Premier League. The midfielder has faced criticism for inconsistent form at club level, but he remains a key figure for the national team.

Argentina's next international fixtures are in September, when they begin their qualifying campaign for the 2030 World Cup. Whether Messi will be part of that squad remains the biggest unanswered question.