Lionel Messi stole the show again for Argentina at the World Cup, scoring both of his nation’s goals in a 2-0 win over Austria – but Argentine media were effusive in their praise for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
Having scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s first game – a 3-0 win over Algeria – Messi netted a brace against Austria. Messi is now the best-ever goalscorer at the World Cup, overtaking Miroslav Klose with 16 goals.
Where was that work rate in a Chelsea shirt last season?! 😮
Enzo Fernandez's stunning stats for Argentina vs Austria.
While Messi was the talk of the media after the game, outlets back in Argentina were also impressed with Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez. The midfielder worked tirelessly in the middle of the park against Austria.
A stunning performance from Fernandez, who continues to be linked with Real Madrid. Chelsea are still waiting to hear from Real Madrid, having slapped a £120m price tag on Fernandez’s head amid the links.
Fernandez enjoyed the second-most successful amount of passes, the most passes into the final third of any player and the most recoveries defensively, highlighting his impact at both ends of the pitch.
A stunning performance that is likely to set Real Madrid tongues wagging. Argentine outlet InfoBae said Real Madrid president Florentino Perez should be drafting an email to Chelsea, enclosing a huge offer.
Argentina v Austria: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Handed a rating of 8/10 for his display on Monday, second only to Messi, InfoBae lauded the Chelsea star: “He played a first half so brilliant that Florentino Pérez should start drafting an email to Chelsea.
“The former River Plate player, a true ‘all-rounder,’ as the Argentine coach likes to say, was outstanding. Dynamic and incisive when attacking. A key player for this team,” they reported following the 2-0 victory.
Chelsea need a quick solution, but Xabi Alonso will have to wait
Whether Fernandez goes to Real Madrid or stays at Chelsea, Xabi Alonso needs a quick solution. He needs to find out if he is going into the new season with Fernandez, or if he needs to replace him.
You can only keep one, Enzo Fernandez or Cole Palmer. Who are you choosing?
Tell us who but also why!
TalkingPoints user on Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
But that is going to be problematic. Reports say Fernandez is not entertaining anything regarding his future while he is in action with Argentina, despite agent Javier Pastore still talking to Real Madrid.
Judging by the way Argentina have fared in their opening two games, Lionel Scaloni’s men look as if they will go deep into the tournament, and that will keep Alonso and Chelsea waiting for a final decision.
It remains unclear if Madrid will be able to afford Fernandez, especially having signed Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva. Whatever the end result, Chelsea need it quickly.
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