Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez cut a dejected figure after the Carabao Cup semi-final
Argentina did exceptionally well to humiliate themselves during their World Cup defeat to Spain - and that's putting it lightly.
Not only were they outplayed, lacking attacking quality and only able to avoid a thrashing thanks to goalkeeper Emi Martinez, they showcased how not to react to a loss with some senseless thuggery.
Leandro Paredes in World Cup final brawl5
Argentina were the opposite of gracious in defeat at the World Cup final
Leandro Paredes was sent off for assaulting Spanish players as they celebrated at full-time, and Nahuel Molina attempted to punch Rodri.
A mass brawl ensued but Spain, who admirably took the moral high ground and didn't stoop to the level of their opponents or let the ugly scenes ruin their second-ever World Cup trophy lift.
The post-match chaos was preceded by a series of calls from referee Slavko Vincic that did little to quash any conspiracies of Argentina having preferential treatment throughout the tournament.
However, alongside manager Lionel Scaloni, they did in fact have five players booked, with Enzo Fernandez going as far as to see yellow on two occasions before being given his marching orders.
Fernandez first went into the book for dissent as he shouted at Vincic after going down far too easily, and was lucky not to pick up another seconds later for seemingly responding with a sarcastic clap.
But it was a moment of madness during four minutes of stoppage time where the 25-year-old made it very clear that he lost all composure, much to the detriment of his country.
Chasing down a loose ball, he clattered into Pau Cubarsi with enough momentum to send him flying and onto the turf in a heap.
Vincic did not hesitate to show him a second yellow and red card, but Fernandez still had the audacity to protest the decision.
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Argentina spent extra time with ten men and lost the World Cup final, before resorting to violence at full-time and behaving like spoiled brats by turning their backs to Spain's presentation.
England fans could not help but revel in what they considered to be 'karma' after Fernandez's antics during the Three Lions' semi-final defeat.
Enzo Fernadez celebrates after scoring for Argentina against England5
Fernandez's goal against England was met with a prolonged celebration
After a cringeworthy celebration, the midfielder took to Instagram laughing with his teammates as 'Wonderwall' - England's impromptu World Cup anthem - played.
There is every chance a minority of Chelsea fans boo Fernandez when he plays his next game at Stamford Bridge - especially given the reaction to a tone-deaf social media post from the Blues during the World Cup.
Chelsea were forced to delete a post celebrating Fernandez's equaliser against England after fierce backlash - and they might be wise to avoid another PR disaster by letting him go.
With the dust now settling, Fernandez will likely head on a break and recuperate before preparing for another season at Chelsea, although he seems desperate to leave.
London no longer calling
It was at the 2022 World Cup where Fernandez dazzled with Argentina in their tournament triumph and won the Young Player Award at 21-years-old.
The midfielder became hot property and, after a drawn out transfer saga with his then-employers Benfica, Chelsea spent £106.8million and completed a British record move in February 2023.
Enzo Fernandez is shown a red card during the World Cup final5
Fernandez had a day to forget with his red card
Fernandez has since made 169 appearances for the Blues, and been part of their Club World Cup and Conference League successes across three-and-a-half seasons in west London.
He has worn the armband on various occasions, but it is apparent that his mind is elsewhere ahead of the new campaign.
During the March international break, Fernandez said that he 'really likes Madrid' and that the Spanish capital is 'similar to Buenos Aires', which is where he was born.
This sparked speculation over a summer move to Real Madrid and he was given a two-match suspension by Chelsea, who are understood to be demanding £120m for his signature.
Madrid have stated that they have no intention of signing him, and Fernandez insisted that any talks over his Chelsea future could wait until the World Cup has concluded.
Now that the tournament is over, speculation over where he will be playing next season is only set to increase.
Enzo Fernandez quote graphic on him being keen to live in Madrid.5
Fernandez has not kept quiet on his liking for Madrid
Fernandez would love to join Madrid but, even though Jose Mourinho appreciates the player, they have not yet made formal contact with Chelsea over a move.
talkSPORT also understands that Chelsea would like him to stay and sign a new deal at the club, with his current deal running until 2032.
However, given his desire to move to Madrid and a lack of discipline in front of billions, the club world champions should consider cashing in.
It would be detrimental to the squad under new manager Xabi Alonso to keep a player who has made it clear that he could envisage himself elsewhere.
Yes, Fernandez has been one of Chelsea's top players since signing and produced some key moments, including the equaliser against Real Betis in the Conference League final last year.
Alonso also wants to keep him but if a fee in the region of £120m is attainable, then it would be silly not to sell.
Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez cut a dejected figure after the Carabao Cup semi-final5
Maybe it's time for Chelsea to let one of their statement signings leave
Whether or not Chelsea would be able to find a suitable replacement is another matter although judging by their summer business so far, they would be willing to spend.
Morgan Rogers is joining from Aston Villa for a British record fee of £117m, they have held talks with Crystal Palace for the £55m-rated Maxence Lacroix, and Marco Palestra joined from Atalanta for £47m.
Chelsea have also generated over £100m in income with the sales of Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos and Tyrique George, with the £65m-valued Nicolas Jackson also a potential departee.
Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo would remain as the midfield options if Fernandez was to leave, so a new face would need to come in for squad depth.
But, if Fernandez feels as though he's ready for a new chapter in his career elsewhere, Chelsea should amicably show him the exit door.