Midfielder Enzo Fernandez has stated that Argentina represented their nation “in the best possible way” during the World Cup, despite the turmoil following their final defeat to Spain.

Fernandez received a red card late in normal time for two yellow cards in the match, where Spain won 1-0 after extra time on Sunday in New Jersey.

Fernandez’s first yellow card was issued for showing dissent towards Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. He was later sent off for a challenge that caused Pau Cubarsi to flip in the air.

In a statement on social media, the Chelsea midfielder refrained from mentioning the red card, instead stating: “As time goes by, you realize there is something much bigger than just a result.

“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 colors with pride, humility, and commitment.”

Members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were involved in confrontations with Spain players who began celebrating their World Cup victory.

Fifa’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incidents, with any involved players or coaches facing potential suspensions, while the Argentine Football Association may also incur fines.

Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to participate, notably with Paredes pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat.

Spain’s Gavi intervened but was brought to the ground by Almada, while Paredes shoved Gavi down by placing a hand on his face.

Ayala was seen holding Garcia around the throat before apparently striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.

‘Let’s forget everything else’

While the match concluded with troubling scenes showcased globally, questions linger regarding pre-match events behind closed doors.

Speculation has emerged on social media regarding discussions in the Argentina dressing room prior to the game, particularly whether Lionel Messi informed his teammates that the final would be his last match for the national side.

This follows Argentine television company RLC Noticias posting footage seemingly showing Messi urging his teammates to remain calm on their way to the tunnel – advising them to “forget about everything else.”

In the footage, which has not been verified by the BBC, Messi is heard saying: “Let’s go, boys, [let’s keep] calm people, calm. The main thing is for us to remain calm, boys, that we remain calm.

“Let’s just concentrate on playing, nothing else – calm, OK? Forget everything else.

“Let’s just play, let’s just concentrate on playing. Let’s go.”

‘We must be gracious in defeat’

The behavior of the Argentina players on the pitch received sharp criticism from former England internationals.

Ex-England captain Alan Shearer stated: “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.

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“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart expressed disapproval, saying: “The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened. Disgusting behaviour.”

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni sought to quell the chaos in his post-match interview.

He remarked: “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.

“We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”

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Argentina, who were World Cup winners in 1978, 1986, and 2022, won their first seven matches in North America, overcoming Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England before being defeated by Spain.

Notably, against Egypt, Argentina came back from being 2-0 down, scoring three late goals to secure a win. In their semi-final match against England, the Three Lions led 1-0 until the 85th minute, when goals from Fernandez and a Lautaro Martinez header clinched a 2-1 victory.

Multiple media outlets in Argentina have suggested that the final could mark the end for Scaloni, with speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s future, as he appeared emotional at the end, likely not to play in another World Cup.

“The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things,” Messi wrote on social media.

Despite the defeat, the team returned to a warm reception from thousands of Argentina fans in an open-top bus parade through the streets of Buenos Aires.

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Scaloni and 16 of his 26 players returned to Argentina, greeted with a red carpet and military band at Ezeiza International Airport.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made 11 saves during the final, was present in Argentina, but Messi opted not to return, instead heading back to Miami, where he plays club football for Inter Miami.