Ezeiza
\nEnzo Fernandez insists Argentina represented themselves in the \u201cbest possible way\u201d at the World Cup despite the Chelsea midfielder\u2019s red card in the final and a host of ugly incidents in their controversial campaign.
\nFernandez was sent off for a second booking after clattering into Spain\u2019s Pau Cubarsi in the closing stages of normal time in Sunday\u2019s 1-0 loss.
\nThe 25-year-old\u2019s premature exit was the latest in a series of clashes to cast a shadow over Argentina\u2019s run to the final.
\nLeandro Paredes appeared to throw punches at members of the Spain squad as they celebrated their victory, with FIFA subsequently launching an investigation into potential disciplinary breaches following the unsavoury post-match scenes.
\nThey also turned their backs on Spain when the Spanish received their medals and the trophy.
\nArgentina\u2019s players also caused controversy by displaying a banner reading \u201cLas Malvinas son Argentinas\u201d (The Falklands are Argentine) after beating England in the semi-finals.
\nArgentina invaded the British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic in 1982.
\nBut Britain regained the archipelago in a brief war after then prime minister Margaret Thatcher dispatched a naval taskforce.
\nFernandez took to Instagram to defend his country for their World Cup performance, but made no mention of his sending off in his message to supporters.
\n\u201cAs time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cFor years, this group has represented the team in the best possible way.
\n\u201cIt teaches that competing isn\u2019t just about winning; it\u2019s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.\u201d
\nFernandez was a member of the Argentina team that beat France to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
\nBut Fernandez\u2019s hopes of a second successive title were shattered after his dismissal as Ferran Torres\u2019s 106th-minute strike settled a dour final marred by Argentina\u2019s defensive tactics.
\n\u201cIt 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,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cI 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.
\n\u201cWearing my country\u2019s jersey is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give my all every time I get to defend it.\u201d
\nMeanwhile, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will consider his international future in the aftermath of the final heartbreak.
\nThe 33-year-old Aston Villa star, who won the World Cup four years ago, said on Instagram: \u201cI dreamed of winning it again; I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more.
\n\u201cHonestly, the pain is hard to put into words. Now I have to reflect on many things, see how to move forward, and decide if it\u2019s time to step aside.
\n\u201cI am truly sorry. I gave it my all to help my country and my teammates.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ezeiza Enzo Fernandez insists Argentina represented themselves in the \u201cbest possible way\u201d at the World Cup despite the Chelsea midfielder\u2019s red card in the final and a host of ugly incidents in their controversial campaign. Fernandez was sent off for a second booking after clattering into Spain\u2019s Pau Cubarsi in the closing stages of normal […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":557624,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-557601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n