Enzo Fernandez (foto: Instagram)
The Argentina midfielder rediscovered his confidence with a dramatic World Cup semi-final equaliser, but speculation about a possible move to Real Madrid continues.
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Enzo Fernández has admitted that he struggled to find his best football before Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against England, although his comments should not automatically be interpreted as criticism of Chelsea.
The 25-year-old produced one of the defining moments of the tournament when he scored Argentina’s equaliser in the 85th minute. Lautaro Martínez then completed a dramatic 2-1 comeback during stoppage time.
Fernández’s powerful long-range finish ended England’s resistance and carried the defending champions towards Sunday’s final against Spain.
The emotional celebration reflected more than the importance of the goal. Fernández revealed that he had felt below his usual level during much of the tournament.
“For now, the path is perfect,” Fernández said. “I had been feeling bad in terms of my football. I couldn’t find my form.”
“Against England, it was a show of character, something I felt I had to show.”
Fernández described the goal as a return to the fearless mentality that carried him from River Plate and Benfica to the Premier League and the Argentina national team.
“In that match, the young Enzo appeared, that kid who dreamed of playing in those moments and representing my national team.”
“It was a great source of pride. There are no words to express how it felt when my shot went in.”
“Playing another final with my national team is indescribable. I had been feeling down and couldn’t find my rhythm in matches, but God gave me that moment. It is all part of the plan.”
His words referred primarily to his performances during the World Cup, rather than explicitly declaring unhappiness at Chelsea. They nevertheless arrive during a period of genuine uncertainty surrounding his club future.
Fernández experienced several difficult moments at Stamford Bridge last season and served a two-match internal suspension after publicly discussing the attraction of living in Madrid.
His agent, former Argentina international Javier Pastore, subsequently admitted that they would examine possible routes away from Chelsea after the World Cup.
Real Madrid have repeatedly been linked with the midfielder, but the financial demands are considerable. Chelsea are expected to request approximately £120 million before considering a sale.
Madrid have publicly distanced themselves from an immediate move, although Fernández’s performances for Argentina may encourage further interest as the Spanish club rebuild their midfield.
Chelsea is under no contractual pressure to sell. Fernández signed a long-term agreement after joining from Benfica in January 2023, and the club can demand a fee reflecting both his importance and the £106.8 million British-record sum originally invested in him.
For now, the midfielder’s attention remains on Argentina and the possibility of making history.
“We know how our supporters and our people suffer,” Fernández said. “I have been on the bench and watched my teammates running and responding to a great moment.”
“It happened to me against Switzerland. I cried. I am grateful to be experiencing these moments.”
Victory over Spain would make Argentina the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. It would also give Lionel Scaloni a second consecutive global title after the triumph in Qatar.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who twice struck the woodwork against England, believes the quality of Argentina’s semi-final performance has increased their confidence.
“It was one of our best matches of the World Cup,” Mac Allister said. “We were more aggressive defensively and took more risks.”
“Spain is a great team, but we are the reigning champions. It is a match between two sides that want to play good football, and that is what stands out most.”
Fernández now has the opportunity to complete a remarkable personal recovery. One week ago, he was searching for rhythm. On Sunday, he could become a two-time world champion.
What happens after the final remains uncertain. His place in Argentina’s midfield is secure, but his future at Chelsea is considerably less clear.