The emotional World Cup moment that’s dividing football fans everywhere. 😳🔴 After being sent off in the biggest match of his career, one Argentina star desperately pleaded his innocence, insisting he had been treated unfairly as his World Cup dream slipped away. While critics argue the referee had no choice, others believe the controversial decision changed the entire final. So was justice served—or did one red card decide football’s biggest prize?

ENZO FERNANDEZ begged for forgiveness from the Argentina faithful after a petulant red card in yesterday’s World Cup final.

The Chelsea maestro gave referee Slavko Vincic no choice after steaming into a challenge having already been booked.

u.s. New Jersey Football Fifa World Cup Final Esp vs Arg - 19 Jul 2026

Enzo Fernandez begged for forgiveness from the Argentina fans following his red card Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Spain v Argentina: Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

He was sent off in the last minute of the second half as Argentina went on to lose Credit: Getty

The 2022 world champion was probably right to apologise to the supporters after two cheap and avoidable bookings saw him dismissed.

The first one for dissent came just eleven minutes before he was given his marching orders.

In the 94th minute, Fernandez steamed into eventual Young Player of the Tournament Pau Cubarsi, who landed a front flip upon slamming into the turf.

Despite the Chelsea man’s desperate pleas, referee Vincic was given no choice but to send him for an early bath.

Fernandez was unable to recreate his heroics in the semi-final against England and became the sixth player in history to be dismissed in a World Cup final.

BBC co-commentator Alan Shearer did not hold back in his assessment of the midfielder’s behaviour: “How daft is that from Enzo Fernandez?

“He is on a yellow card for dissent, not the tackle, but for dissent. He knows that, because that didn’t happen long ago. For him to go into a challenge like that is crazy.

“He can protest as much as he wants. But it’s the right decision. He gave the referee only one choice.”

Spain v Argentina: Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Fernandez pleaded his innocence but it was no use Credit: Getty

The error of judgment by Fernandez proved to be costly for his country as Spain piled the pressure on further throughout extra-time.

Having dominated the whole game, Spain’s breakthrough came in the 106th minute, courtesy of Barcelona man Ferran Torres.

Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams headed back for Torres, who smashed it into the top of the net to give the 2024 Euros champions a deserved lead.

It was Spain’s 20th shot of the game, while Argentina were still waiting for their first effort on goal.

It took a total of 117 minutes for the 2022 world champions to have a shot on goal and it came from Lionel Messi, before Giuliano Simeone blazed their second and final effort of the final well over.

The Argentina players took their frustrations out on their opponents after the game as they started a mass brawl, Boca Juniors man Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the scrap as he went for Gavi.