Beyond Messi’s achievement, Enzo Fernandez delivered an exceptional display for Argentina. He played the full 90 minutes and earned a 7.7 rating, ranking as the third-best player on the pitch behind captain Lionel Messi and left-back Facundo Medina, according to FotMob. Fernandez’s relentless work rate and fitness were particularly notable, matching a typical Chelsea expectation with a standout performance in international duty.
Fernandez finished the game with an impressive stat line: second-most touches on the night (85), found his target 63 of 70 passes (a 90% completion rate), and delivered more passes into the final third than any teammate. Defensively, he was prolific as well, recording two interceptions, one blocking action, seven recoveries (the most on the field), and involvement in 11 duels, winning six.
Line-up and tactical setup saw Fernandez as a key component in a midfield trio alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul. The trio operated in a narrow system that helped Argentina control the tempo and minimize Austria’s chances, allowing Messi to be fed when opportunities arose.
While Messi’s goals grabbed the headlines, Fernandez’s all-around contribution underscored why he remains a highly sought-after talent in top European football. His pace, ball progression, and defensive work rate were on full display, reinforcing his value in a balanced midfield role.
Rumors and discussions around Fernandez’s future continued to circulate in relation to large transfer interest. Reports indicated Chelsea had placed a substantial valuation on him, and interest from other major clubs remained keen. If clubs were watching the performance closely, Fernandez’s display would likely reinforce any ongoing bids or negotiations, highlighting his potential to move to a different league or club in the near future.
Overall, Argentina’s 2-0 win highlighted both Messi’s continued scoring prowess and Enzo Fernandez’s emergence as a dynamic, high-impact midfielder capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch. The result kept Argentina’s hopes high in their campaign, with Scaloni’s squad emphasizing a balanced approach that can sustain success on the world stage.
