Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has broken his silence after becoming the sixth player to be sent off in a World Cup final.

The Chelsea star, 25, was shown two yellow cards in the space of 11 minutes towards the end of normal time in Argentina’s clash against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Fernandez received his first yellow card in the 82nd minute from referee Slavko Vincic following a show of dissent after failing to win a free-kick.

He risked further punishment by sarcastically applauding the referee’s decision but was let off the hook.

However, Fernandez made Argentina’s task of winning significantly harder after clattering Spain defender Pau Cubarsi with a late challenge, resulting in his stoppage-time red card.

Ten-man Argentina defended valiantly in extra-time against a Spain team who’d passed them off the pitch for over 90 minutes.

But Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal was enough to secure a second World Cup title for Spain, leaving Lionel Messi and his teammates crestfallen at the final whistle.

Enzo Fernandez Breaks Silence With Social Media Post

REUTERS/Brian Snyder

On Monday evening, 24 hours after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat, Fernandez released the following statement via Instagram:

“As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result.

“For years, this group has represented us 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.

“I want to thank all the Argentine 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.

“Wearing my country’s jersey is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give my all every time I get to defend it.”

Argentina have been lambasted for their disappointing performance during the final, followed by unsavoury scenes that marred Spain’s full-time celebrations.

FIFA are set to launch an investigation into the behaviour of Argentina’s players after the final whistle.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

Fernandez: Sixth Player Shown Red Card in World Cup Final

via REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Fernandez is the third player from Argentina to be sent off in a World Cup final, following Pedro Monzon and Gustavo Dezotti (both in 1990).

Former France internationals Marcel Desailly and Zinedine Zidane, for an infamous headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi, saw red in the 1998 and 2006 World Cup finals, respectively.

Ex-Netherlands star John Heitinga is the only other player to be shown a red card in a World Cup final, while playing against Spain in the 2010 final.

Manchester United are now in pole position to sign a new midfielder after securing deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Manchester United are in the market for a third midfielder, despite bringing in both Santos and Tielemans.

The Red Devils lost Casemiro earlier in the summer following the expiration of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has also been ruled out with a serious knee injury.

United also need to build a bigger squad heading into the new season, after they managed to qualify for the Champions League under Michael Carrick.

As a result, we could see another midfielder arrive through the door, while they may also look to reinforce other areas of the pitch.

Man Utd in pole position for midfielder

According to reports, Manchester United are now in pole position to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone in the summer transfer window.

United have held talks to secure his signature, and Kone is considered a priority target for the club.

United do face competition from a number of Premier League clubs, while Kone, described as ‘elite’, would like to have his future resolved quickly.

The French midfielder, who flourished at the World Cup with his country, does want to move to a higher-profile club this summer.

Whether he’d be keen on United specifically is unclear, but it wouldn’t be a surprise given they are competing in the Champions League next season.

Man Utd also eyeing new winger

According to reports, Manchester United have opened talks to sign Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr in the summer transfer window.

The Senegalese international enjoyed an impressive season with Palace recently, scoring nine goals in the Europa Conference League as they lifted the trophy.

Sarr considers a move to Old Trafford his dream transfer, which could give United a huge boost in the race to secure his signature.

It remains to be seen whether Palace would be willing to sit at the negotiating table for Sarr, but it certainly feels unlikely that United will be able to get him on the

Leeds have opened talks to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window as they continue to improve Daniel Farke’s squad.

Leeds have confirmed two new additions in the summer transfer window so far. Harry Wilson on a free transfer after he left Fulham and Tarik Muharemovic from Italian side Sassuolo.

The Yorkshire club will likely continue looking to bring in reinforcements after a successful first season back in the Premier League, which saw them steer themselves away from the relegation zone.

Farke has been trusted to be given a big transfer budget this summer after Leeds defied all the odds by avoiding relegation.

Many expected Leeds to fail to avoid dropping down to the Championship, but Farke’s side did a phenomenal job in staying in the Premier League.

Leeds open talks to sign striker

According to a report from Team Talk, Leeds are one of the sides who have opened talks to sign Monaco forward Folarin Balogun in the summer transfer window.

The Yorkshire club are among a number of teams who have opened the door to the Premier League after an impressive spell in Ligue 1.

The report claims that Monaco are demanding in the region of £40 million to allow the American international to depart in the summer window.

Balogun, described as ‘ruthless’, also has interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Atletico Madrid, but the strongest interest comes from the Premier League.

Considering the amount of interest in Balogun this summer, it could be a difficult deal for Leeds to get over the line.

Leeds should have other priorities

REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Leeds’ main priority for the remainder of the window shouldn’t be to bring in a new centre forward.

Farke’s side brought in Dominic Calvert-Lewin following the expiration of his contract at Everton last summer, and the English striker quickly adapted to life at Elland Road.

Especially for a fee in the region of £40 million, Leeds could certainly use that money more wisely in other positions, with a striker simply not a priority at this moment.

Where their priority should be remains to be seen, but they do appear to be pushing to sign a new midfielder.