Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has defended his team's conduct during the 2026 World Cup, insisting the squad represented their country "in the best possible way", despite chaotic scenes during and after their final defeat by Spain. The remarks come as FIFA opens a disciplinary investigation into a mass brawl that broke out at full-time, with several Argentina players and coaching staff facing possible sanctions, and as speculation swirls over what Lionel Messi may have told team-mates before kick-off, including whether he signalled it would be his last game for the national side.

Fernandez was sent off late in normal time for two bookable offences, the second for a challenge on Spain's Pau Cubarsi, as Spain won 1-0 after extra time in New Jersey. Following the final whistle, Argentina players and staff, including Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, clashed with celebrating Spain players such as Eric Garcia, Gavi and Dani Olmo; FIFA has appointed a prosecutor to assess the incident, with the Argentine FA also facing a potential fine. Separately, unverified footage circulating on Argentine media appears to show Messi urging team-mates to "stay calm" before the match, fuelling speculation about his future, while former England players including Alan Shearer condemned the post-match violence.