Enzo Fernandez Exclusive on Racism Scandal, Messi and the World Cup

Enzo Fernandez only won his first Argentina cap in September 2022 and just three months later he was already a World Cup champion aged 21.

And even before the final against France, Fernandez had announced himself at the tournament when he scored his first international goal against Mexico. It was a curling, net-busting strike that flew past Memo Ochoa in a vital 2-0 group-stage win. The match was quite simply do-or-die for Argentina, having fallen to a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening game.

Staring elimination in the face, Argentina instead qualified for the knockout stage, and from there the rest is history as Lionel Messi got his mitts on the Jules Rimet trophy for the first time. Argentina’s penalty-shootout win over France in Qatar wasn’t just a Messi fairytale made for all football sentimentalists, it was arguably the most memorable World Cup Final in living memory.

Messi rightly took the spotlight and was handed the Golden Ball for the Player of the Tournament, but Fernandez was right there alongside him on the podium after being named the 2022 World Cup’s Best Young Player – an accolade he scooped ahead of Jude Bellingham, Goncalo Ramos and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Enzo Fernandez: “I wasn’t expecting a World Cup award’

“I wasn’t expecting the award,” said Fernandez, in an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT, which aired on Monday on our Market Madness podcast. “I didn’t even know it existed, so it was a big surprise to receive it after the final.

“I’m so proud to have won it because the best players take part in the World Cup, including many youngsters. It was a unique moment because they called me up and I didn’t know which trophy I was going to receive. It was so strange for me.

“I remember the moment when they handed me the award, as they also gave Messi the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup and Emi Martínez received the Golden Glove.”

Fernandez is pictured in disbelief with a bashful smile standing next to childhood idol Messi, having watched him at the previous four World Cups.

Messi described Fernandez as “a spectacular kid and a very important player” and the stats backed up this high praise. Fernandez led all players for touches (118), successful passes (77) and tackles (10) in the 2022 World Cup Final.

“Winning the World Cup with Messi was incredible,” said Fernandez, who wrote an open letter to Messi in 2016 pleading with him to reconsider his international retirement after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America Final to Chile. “We were fully motivated because our team grew up watching Leo at home on TV. We’d been fighting for it for many years and Messi had unfinished business.

“I’m so proud that I was able to share that moment with him and win the World Cup alongside him, knowing what it meant to him and all of us. Of course, we all wanted to do it for him because it was the only sporting achievement missing for him.

“He’s a great person and I’m so proud to share these moments with him. He’s the greatest of all time, so it’s a privilege to share the dressing room with him. It’s a huge thing for me and I’m really enjoying it. I try to make the most of every moment spent with him.”

Fernandez’ Plea to Join Chelsea

Messi rightly monopolised the headlines in December 2022, but just a month later Fernandez would take centre-stage as he sealed a then British transfer record move to Chelsea from Benfica for a fee of £107m (€121m). The Blues ended up paying slightly above Fernandez’ £106m release clause to get preferable payment terms.

The transfer saga ran for the entirety of the winter window and the deal was completed with only minutes to spare on deadline day. Negotiations were led by Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Benfica president Rui Costa, with the latter locked in talks even as his side played Arouca.

Benfica won that game 3-0 and some insiders maintain a loss that night could have resulted in the transfer being called off, but it was actually Fernandez’ own personal intervention that in the end softened Costa’s stance.

“When Chelsea came in for me, I had no doubts. I wanted to make the move up, in sporting terms, to the Premier League,” said Fernandez, who played 29 times for Benfica and got a 2022/23 Primeira Liga winners’ medal despite leaving mid-season.

“I wanted to come to Chelsea at all costs and didn’t want to let the opportunity pass me by. Everyone knows that and thank God it worked out. I’m here now and I’m very happy.

“If I hadn’t spoken to him, I don’t think the move would’ve happened. The negotiation phase was very long and tough. My agent and Benfica knew how much Chelsea wanted me and they did everything possible to sign me.

“But I still had to speak to the Benfica president at the last minute to ask him to let me come to Chelsea. He wanted me to stay for another six months because he said that many more offers would come in, but you never know in football. I wanted to move to the Premier League and join Chelsea, so I’m thrilled with my decision.”

Fernandez had only joined Benfica in June 2022 from River Plate for around £10m and just eight months later he was worth over ten times that amount.

His transfer to Chelsea eclipsed the £100m Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021 and naturally drew plenty of attention and hype. But Fernandez endured a tough start to his time at Stamford Bridge, failing to score in 22 appearances in the second half of the 2022/23 season.

It was a torrid campaign for Chelsea as well, with the manager who signed Fernandez, Graham Potter, losing his job in April. And results didn’t improve under interim manager Frank Lampard either, as the Blues finished 12th in the table.

With Chelsea consigned to mid-table mediocrity, plenty was made of Fernandez’ lofty price tag in that season, but the Chelsea midfielder maintains he’s never been burdened by it. He does, however, concede it was a baptism of fire arriving at Stamford Bridge without a pre-season and as part of a bloated and unsettled squad that included fellow January arrivals Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile.

“People spoke a lot about the record transfer fee and everything around it,” said Fernandez. “But I was just focused on myself and improving so that I could show what I can do on the pitch and represent Chelsea at my best. I never paid any attention to what people were saying and I didn’t feel the pressure personally.

“However, it was a tough time. I was used to winning all the time and when I came here, the results were very poor. When I arrived, there were so many players coming and going. It was a hard period with so many players in the dressing room. We almost didn’t all fit! I think there were 30 of us or even over 30 players. It was crazy…

“And there were many manager changes before, in the end, Chelsea went for Enzo Maresca. That’s when the club started to build more solid foundations as a group. We developed our footballing identity, which has been great for the squad.

“Now you can see how settled we are and what a talented squad we have. We are a really good side and we all get on well on and off the pitch. For the last 18 months to two years, we’ve had such positive feelings here.”

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‘Agent Enzo’ involved in Caicedo transfer

Prior to Enzo Maresca’s arrival in summer 2024, Chelsea hired Fernandez’ fellow Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, but he would only last one season after finishing sixth. And it was another signing, Moises Caicedo, who undoubtedly proved the club’s most important signing during that window. The Ecuadorian midfielder joined from Brighton for £115m, meaning Fernandez was only a British transfer record signing for eight months. Being out-valued by Caicedo didn’t bother Fernandez. In fact, he even played a role in the transfer as Chelsea fought off interest from Arsenal and even a late bid from Liverpool.

“When I was told that the club was interested in Moises and he was about to join, the first thing I did was phone him to insist on him coming,” said Fernandez, who is contracted at Chelsea until 2032. “I told him how much the club wanted him. Thankfully, the deal went through and he’s with us now at Chelsea now.

“We’re good friends and we share so many moments on and off the pitch. As I often say, I only have words of admiration for Moises.

“He’s a great person and professional, who always gives his best for the squad. I’m very happy to have Moises as a teammate. I think it works well because we perform different roles. Moises does more defensive work for the team, while I’m more attacking. We always try to help each other so that we can compete at the highest level to take Chelsea to the top.”

Along with Caicedo, the £58m arrival of Romeo Lavia from Southampton meant that by the start of the 2023/2024 season, Chelsea’s central midfield was worth close to £300m. And Fernandez, who can play as a number six, eight or ten, was asked to take on a more attacking role, something he has continued to do under Maresca.

The 24-year-old would score his first Premier League goal against Brighton in December 2023 and go on to register seven in all competitions that season – a tally made all the more impressive considering he was playing with a hernia in the second half of the season.

“I wasn’t my normal self on the pitch and then I picked up the injury,” said Fernandez. “It was a really strange year for me and I didn’t feel good.

“I played for a long time with a hernia and it hurt a lot. I kept going until I’d had enough and was no longer able to perform at my best. I couldn’t help the team and was letting myself down, so I decided along with the doctors to have the operation and make a full recovery to get back to 100% for my teammates and myself.

“I decided to keep playing until my body told me it was enough. There wasn’t long until the Copa America and I didn’t want to miss it, so Chelsea and I made a joint decision to undergo surgery.”

Fernandez apologetic for racist video

Fernandez was fit again as Argentina beat Colombia to win the 2024 Copa America at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami thanks to Lautaro Martinez’ extra-time winner. Caught up in another special moment for his country, he innocently started a live stream to millions in which he, and other Argentina teammates, sang a racist song aimed at the French national team.

It rightly led to a backlash, with Chelsea defender Welsey Fofana calling the video “uninhibited racism”. Fernandez was unfollowed on social media at the time by some of his Chelsea teammates, but he was also quick to apologise – both publicly and privately – and make a voluntary donation to an anti-discrimination charity.

“I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations,” wrote Fernandez at the time. “The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”

Following a series of internal meetings, and the involvement of club captain Reece James and Tosin Adarabioyo in player-driven talks, Chelsea decided to take no further action.

Speaking for the first time about the incident, Fernandez revealed he cancelled his holiday plans in favour of immediately addressing the situation.

“I remember that period. What happened is not typical of who I am,” he said. “It was a really hard time for me personally and I suffered during it. I’ve always understood my teammates’ position, so the first thing I did was to phone them and tell them I wasn’t going to go on holiday because I wanted to travel back to speak to them in person to tell them what sort of guy I am and about my values. They understood that and now we all get on well. It all fizzled out and there’s now very good harmony in the dressing room.

“Originally, I called them while I was away. And then I cut short my holiday and travelled to where the team was for pre-season in America. The first thing I did when I arrived was to go and speak with them to apologise in person.”

Dealing with the fallout was one of the first tasks for Maresca following his arrival that summer from Leicester City. And the Italian didn’t just back Fernandez, he made him vice-captain. And with James injured, Fernandez started the season opener against Manchester City as skipper.

“Enzo is one of the captains here,” said Maresca after the game. “He was also captain in pre-season. His teammates see him as a reference, like a captain. All of us make mistakes. It’s important to recognise Enzo made a mistake and now it’s finished.”

It appears FIFA won’t take any further action despite the French Football Federation asking them to investigate. And Fernandez also considers the matter behind him, having learned from his error and used it to forge a stronger bond with French teammates Fofana, Badiashile and Malo Gusto.

“I have a very good relationship with them,” said Fernandez, who spoke with a tone of clear contrition. “We often eat together and do things outside of the dressing room. When we have team dinners or are in the dressing room, everything is normal. Nothing else happened because they know what I’m like as a person.

“The club has always shown faith in me and I’m grateful for that because I was given the captain’s armband at a tough time. But that shows a lot about me and what I mean to the club and my teammates who showed faith in me from the start. The support was unwavering, so I’m ever so grateful to them for that.”

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Lampard comparisons

Now fit, and with the scandal behind him, Fernandez looked like a different player after the Copa America. Chelsea fans saw him play with more freedom and add goals to his game, and comparisons started to be made with former Blues captain Frank Lampard. Ex-Chelsea defender William Gallas was one of the first to note similarities.

“He reminds me of Lampard,” said Gallas, who made 225 appearances for Chelsea and won two Premier League titles. “You have to allow Fernandez to go forward and make late runs. If you give him that freedom, he’ll score a lot of goals. When I look at the areas he operates in, and how he crashes into the box, he is almost like a second striker.”

Although flattered to be mentioned in the same breath as one of Chelsea’s all-time greats, Fernandez doesn’t view himself as the next Lampard – or even necessarily an attacking midfielder.

“I don’t have a favourite position,” said Fernandez, who started as a number ten in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday. “I’ll always be available wherever the coach decides he wants me because I just want to play.

“Under previous managers, I was more of a number six. Under Enzo Maresca, I’m playing further forward, so I’m scoring goals and getting assists. It’s a position where I’m on the ball less, but I’m more dangerous in front of goal.

“In terms of where think I can improve, I’d say my shot from outside the box because I feel I have it in the locker, but there’s certainly room for improvement.

“I’m just focused on my career. Of course, I’ve always watched him closely as a fellow midfielder. He contributed so much to the club’s history and also in terms of trophies. He was such a key player for Chelsea.

“I try to learn from the Chelsea legends. I knew all about what they achieved, so then to see them here was so impactful. I’ve always shown them respect and been courteous without talking too much. I’ve listened to them more than anything and it really left a mark on me when I met them in person.

“I clearly remember Lampard’s time at Chelsea along with John Terry, Claude Makelele and many other players who played here. I’ll always remember those moments because when I was little, I used to watch the Premier League in bed with my father.”

Rich form under Maresca

Fernandez has thrived under Maresca and quickly recaptured the kind of form that made co-owner Eghbali so intent on signing him during the last World Cup. He has five goals this season after scoring a career-high nine last campaign, including one in the Europa Conference League Final as Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 in Poland.

He also helped Chelsea qualify for the Champions League via a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League. And Fernandez made the Club World Cup Team of the Tournament as Chelsea won the first edition of the new 32-team expanded tournament in America.

The Blues totally outclassed Paris Saint-Germain in the final, thrashing the French champions 3-0 at New York’s MetLife Stadium just six weeks after Luis Enrique’s side had won the Champions League. It was a statement victory, and one that silenced Chelsea’s critics, including Gary Neville. The ex-Manchester United defender famously called Chelsea “billion-pound bottle jobs” after Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the 2024 League Cup Final. Neville’s comments were largely ignored by the Chelsea hierarchy, who have always believed in their youth-led project and urged patience for it to come to fruition. Fernandez now thinks the rewards of three years under owners Clearlake-Boehly are starting to pay off.

“I think last season was the first year in which we’ve really seen what the Chelsea project is about, having seen only a few moments of potential on the pitch in recent years,” he said. I’m very pleased with what we achieved last season, but we aren’t settling for that as we want to keep competing at the highest level and fighting for the Premier League and Champions League, so I think we’re on the right path.

“Maresca has brought a clear identity, which is helping us get results on the pitch. As a consequence, things are easier now on a daily basis. He’s helped friendships within the squad grow. I’d single out the way he guides us and teaches us every day in training, which is wonderful for the squad.

“From January onwards last season, everything started clicking. We ended the season very well by qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League. It was wonderful to score in the Conference League Final. It was a special feeling, even more so because I did it for Chelsea. It was a brilliant moment for me in my career.

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“And we then won the Club World Cup, so it was a great year for us. It was a crazy final against PSG. In the first half, we were by far the better team. We pressed them really well and our tactics were spot on.

“It means so much to have the world champion badge and it’s a huge privilege for our club. We’ll try to show our opponents in every game what we’re made of. It’s a wonderful privilege to wear the badge.”

Chelsea genuine EPL and UCL contenders

Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League table after a spirited draw with leaders Arsenal on Sunday. Maresca’s side outplayed the visitors for much of the game despite going down to ten men in the first half when Caicedo was sent off. They are only six points adrift of the Gunners and have Cole Palmer back from a groin injury just in time for the festive period. Meanwhile, teenage winger Estevao Willian has made a sensational start to his Chelsea career, including a last-gasp winner in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are also on course to qualify automatically for the last 16 of the Champions League thus avoiding two extra playoff games. Given their current form and the positive mood in the camp, Fernandez sees no reason why Chelsea can’t add more silverware this season.

“Of course we are [title contenders],” said Fernandez, who won the 2021 title with River Plate. “This season, there are many contenders: Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United. All the teams are battling towards the top. There are some very strong Premier League sides. Arsenal have also been doing really well for many years. And Liverpool are a great side. I’m not going to choose one because they’re all good.

“And we know the Champions League is very tough. We’ll try to reach the final, which is what we deserve as a club. We’ve been doing well, so we’re capable of being right up there.”

As Chelsea fight on four fronts, Fernandez is not worried about the prospect of a 70+-game season saying he is “pleased that we have lots of games throughout the year”.

It remains to be seen how the Club World Cup impacts Chelsea’s fortunes, but Maresca recently argued the impressive PSG victory played a part in Chelsea’s beating 3-0 Barcelona last month in the Champions League.

Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph also sent Fernandez into the history books as the first footballer to win the 32-team version of tournament and the World Cup.

And if Argentina go on to defend their World Cup crown, he just might get a reunion with US president Donald Trump, who will no doubt be right in the thick of celebrations next summer after gatecrashing Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy lift.

“We didn’t know he’d be there to give us our trophy,” laughed Fernandez. “I hadn’t seen him, so it was a surprise that he handed out our medals. It was such a funny moment.”

Fernandez eyes Argentina captaincy

The challenge for in-form Argentina is that World Cup defences rarely happen. La Albiceleste could become just the third country to win back-to-back men’s World Cups following in the footsteps of Vittorio Pozzo’s Italy (1934, 1938) and Pele’s Brazil (1958, 1962).

Following the outpouring of joy in Qatar, 2026 will be another emotional tournament for Argentina since it will be 38-year-old Messi’s final World Cup – and maybe his last major tournament for his country.

And as Fernandez continues to lead by example for Chelsea, he could yet be in the frame to replace Messi as captain when he finally hangs up his boots. Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is perhaps the leading candidate, but Fernandez is hoping to be considered by Lionel Scaloni.

“On a personal level, I dream of captaining Argentina,” said Fernandez, who has won 38 caps for his country. “But that decision doesn’t come down to me. It’s up to the coaching staff. Of course, I dream of being the Argentina captain.

“My thoughts are on the present, though. Winning the World Cup is in the past and we are focused on what lies ahead. We know it could be Messi’s last World Cup, so we’ll aim to defend our title from Qatar as a team. Let’s hope for a kind draw.”

It is almost incomprehensible to imagine Argentina without the majestic Messi, but Fernandez is part of a new and exciting generation along with Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez. Teenagers Franco Mastantunono and Claudio Echeverri have also burst on the scene in 2025.

Fernandez is a popular talisman for both club and country since he wears his heart on his sleeve. And his tactical acumen and leadership skills are clear for all to see.

And yet perhaps the biggest compliment he can be paid is that there is no longer even a conversation about his price tag, and hasn’t been for quite some time. Fernandez is now widely accepted as a £100m+ midfielder, consistently impacting games from the centre of the park. He is in many ways a poster boy for the Chelsea project, which now looks capable of yielding major silverware.