Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has opened up on his adoration for Argentina teammate Lionel Messi. The pair were triumphant together at the 2022 Qatar World Cup following a dramatic penalty shootout victory against France in the final.
Fernandez signed for the Blues for a British transfer record of £107million in January shortly after the tournament concluded. The 22-year-old claimed the trophy for Best Young Player at the World Cup, accelerating his trajectory to the top of elite European club football.
It proved some turnaround for the Argentines, who claimed the ultimate prize despite losing their first group match against Saudi Arabia in one of the great all-time World Cup shocks. Reflecting on this momentous achievement, Fernandez revealed how captain Messi inspired the team to reach the heights they ultimately achieved, adding how the footballing icon has influenced his own career.
Enzo Fernandez said: “After the game against Saudi Arabia, Messi had a speech with the team where he told us that we had to be all together than ever. Whenever I talk about Messi I get goosebumps. He is my idol, there’s no words… He is the greatest of all time. It seems unreal that we are the World Champions. I found out that I was going to the World Cup a week before the tournament started. When I found out I was going, I started crying. It was a dream since the childhood. Whenever I’m calm at home, I open YouTube and watch match highlights from the World Cup. It was all crazy, I get very emotional. After the final with France, I said thank you to Messi for never abandoning us and always trying. I always supported him.”
Fernandez also spoke about his personal relationship with Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, who played a key role in his country’s path to success, while he was asked about a confrontation with French star Kylian Mbappé in the final.
Enzo Fernandez said: “With Juli I have a special connection, we know each other a lot. When we entered the room in Qatar, I gave him a hug and told him ‘look where we are, see if everything is going as we want’. Yes, I argued with Mbappé, but I don’t like to tell what happens on the pitch. It doesn’t matter anymore what he said. Mbappé is a great player and an example for everyone.”
Since joining Chelsea, Fernandez has started every game for Graham Potter’s side, securing his first win as a Blues player against Leeds United on Saturday. Speaking about his move to Chelsea,
Enzo Fernandez added: “My dream was to play in the Premier League. I’m going to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”
