Enzo Fernandez proves critics wrong at World Cup after Chelsea struggles
By Joel Masibo, July 16, 2026After enduring a difficult 2025/26 English Premier League season with Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez once more proved his value for Argentina by producing a crucial goal at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, scoring a late equaliser that inspired another remarkable comeback and helped send La Albiceleste into the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
Back at Stamford Bridge, Fernandez was among the senior players who carried the blame on their shoulders for the dismal performance, as the Blues ended the difficult campaign without a silverware, missing out on European football next season.
Some footballers have a habit of shining when their teams need them most. Spain have relied on Mikel Merino for decisive moments during the knockout rounds, while Argentina have repeatedly turned to Fernandez for inspiration.
Below expectations
The Chelsea midfielder admitted he had been below his own expectations throughout much of the tournament, but everything changed in the semi-final victory over England. “Throughout the World Cup, I don’t think I’d felt quite right personally, apart from in this match,” Fernandez said. “In the other matches, I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t comfortable with how I was feeling.”
Even before the semi-final, Fernandez had already shown his ability to make an impact at critical moments. In Argentina’s Round of 16 clash with Egypt, he found the net in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 3-2 win after his side had battled back from a difficult position. Against England, he repeated the feat by firing home in the 85th minute to level the score and spark another memorable comeback.
Reflecting on the dramatic evening, Fernandez admitted the occasion exceeded anything he had imagined. “I hadn’t even dreamt of it,” he said after the match. “I’m still reeling from the excitement. It hasn’t really sunk in what the match itself meant, but talking to the lads now and enjoying the moment, it’s something really special.”
An unforgettable night
Fernandez summed up his emotions after scoring in just two words: “Euphoria, relief.” Once again, he had delivered when Argentina needed him most.
His reputation for producing decisive moments on the biggest stage began at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored a memorable goal in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Mexico after the team’s shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia. Four years later, he has added two more defining moments to his World Cup story, both arriving when Argentina were under immense pressure.
Speaking about his latest achievement, Fernandez said: “Today, God gave me the wonderful gift of scoring in a semi-final for my country. I’m over the moon. It’s a feeling of euphoria I can’t explain.”
The celebrations extended beyond the pitch. His children watched from the stands alongside thousands of Argentina supporters, while millions more celebrated back home.
“I’m grateful to experience moments like this with all the Argentines in the stands. I can imagine everyone back home celebrating, crying with emotion, and feeling everything that these moments represent.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni allowed Fernandez greater freedom to attack, and the move paid off. Lionel Messi picked him out with a perfectly timed pass just outside the penalty area, where the midfielder quickly created space before sending an unstoppable strike beyond Jordan Pickford.
Although Fernandez impressed throughout the contest, his late goal will stand out as the defining moment. It kept Argentina’s dream of winning a fourth FIFA World Cup alive while moving the reigning champions one step closer to securing back-to-back world titles.