In a message to his compatriots upon returning to Argentina, Enzo Fernandez said representing his country is the greatest honour of his career and vowed to continue giving everything following the defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
The Chelsea midfielder had kept his silence since getting sent off in the late stages of the match at the MetLife Stadium but he finally broke it on social media, posting along with other teammates to thank the supporters.
“As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result,” Fernandez said on Instagram.
“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.”
¡La Selección Argentina ya está en casa! 🇦🇷
Gracias por acompañarnos una vez más 🩵🤍
📝https://t.co/K4l6lZM9NY pic.twitter.com/T1Em0Ul00q
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 20, 2026
Fernandez did not mention his red card or the incident that led to it, which was in many ways the turning point of the final. The 25-year-old was shown a yellow card first for dissent and then another one for a needless foul on Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time. It forced Argentina to continue with 10 men and Spain made the extra player count when Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute.
Fernandez’s message followed a much earlier post from Messi who said “the pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things”.
Their teammate and Tottenham captain Cristian Romero also thanked supporters and said the players would respond to the disappointment by working towards another challenge for major honours.
“And this time, it just wasn’t meant to be,” said Romero. “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.”
Romero 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.”
Leandro Paredes, who started a brawl after the final whistle and is currently facing a ban, also expressed pride in the team’s efforts without commenting on the events.
“Thank you Argentina!! I love you today and always,” the Boca Juniors midfielder said.
“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!”
