**Enzo Fernandez has spoken about the emotion of playing alongside Lionel Messi at what he expects to be the Argentina captain’s final World Cup.** The Chelsea midfielder started Argentina’s 3-0 opening win over Algeria in Kansas City and is now part of a squad already carrying knockout-stage momentum in North America.
Fernandez told [Chelsea’s official website that he wants to enjoy every moment with Messi](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/enzo-fernandez-on-playing-alongside-his-idol-lionel-messi), describing the chance to share another World Cup campaign with his childhood idol as something he had always dreamed of.
The timing gives Chelsea supporters another clear World Cup thread to follow. Fernandez is not on the fringes of Lionel Scaloni’s side; he is part of the midfield platform that helped Argentina win the trophy in Qatar and has started this tournament in the same engine room as Alexis Mac Allister.
ReadChelsea has already tracked how [Fernandez gave Blues fans a firm Argentina focus](https://readchelsea.com/2026/06/22/enzo-fernandez-chelsea-argentina-austria-world-cup/), and these fresh comments add a more personal layer. The midfielder is chasing another major international run while Chelsea watch for rhythm, minutes and fitness before pre-season planning fully accelerates.
For Fernandez, the message is simple: Argentina’s defence is about more than nostalgia, but Messi’s likely farewell has clearly sharpened the emotional stakes.