Lionel Messi has sent Enzo Fernandez a message following Argentina's 4-1 win over Brazil. The Chelsea midfielder fired Lionel Scaloni's side to victory at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium, booking his country a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Julian Alvarez put Argentina ahead inside the opening five minutes before Fernandez doubled the reigning champions' lead a few moments later. Matheus Cunha pulled one back, but Alexis Mac Allister piled on the misery shortly before half-time after latching onto a brilliant pass from the Blues playmaker.
Giuliano Simeone put the final nail in the coffin after the break as Argentina humiliated their bitter rivals. After Bolivia failed to defeat Uruguay, Scaloni's side have mathematically secured a place at the World Cup, which is set be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Watching the game from home, having suffered a minor muscle injury ahead of the historic tie, Messi congratulated his teammates on social media. The Inter Miami forward captioned a video of his television screen with five clapping-hand emojis.
Messi followed up the post with a statement. Translated from Spanish, he wrote: "Inside, outside, wherever with this national team. Always talking about football. Congratulations on the great game you played last night and also on the win against Uruguay."
Lionel Messi sent a message of congratulations to his Argentina teammates
Lionel Messi sent a message of congratulations to his Argentina teammates (Image: Instagram / leomessi)
Fernandez marked the occasion with a celebratory post, which eclipsed half a million likes in just a few hours. The Chelsea star, who won man of the match, wrote: "A dream night for me personally, but especially for my team.
"The goal of reaching the World Cup was achieved, and this group will continue to give it their all every time we play. Always grateful to the people for how they encourage us and happy to live a night that will last forever. Let's go band!! Let's go Argentina!! Always together!!"
Speaking to reporters after the game, Alvarez said: "We humbly did our job and played a great game. We gave them a show. It was a historic result, winning by 4-1, and that makes us really proud.
"I’m so happy for the fans, for helping the team and to see how we played an impressive game at home. It’s great to know that we are qualified for the World Cup."
Meanwhile, Marquinhos apologised to the fans. The Brazil captain told TV Globo: "What we did here today can’t happen again. It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment... It’s embarrassing.
"We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they’re on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart... I’m sorry for our fans."
Enzo Maresca will hope Fernandez can continue his rich vein of form upon his return from international duty. The 24-year-old midfielder has been brilliant for Chelsea this season, with his performances often going under the radar.
The Blues will host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford bridge on Thursday night next week as they both look to climb the Premier League. Chelsea are currently in the top four, but Manchester City, Newcastle United and Brighton aren't far behind.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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