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Argentina's World Cup pantomime villain Enzo Fernandez has claimed he and his team-mates represented the country 'in the best possible way' in a bizarre statement on social media on Tuesday.
The Chelsea star, who goaded England with a mocking celebration after netting Argentina's equaliser in last Wednesday's dismal semi-final defeat, was left with egg on his face in the World Cup final on Sunday as his red card proved crucial to Spain's crowning 1-0 victory.
Fernandez, already booked for dissent, sent Pau Cubarsi flying with a dangerous tackle in stoppage time and left Argentina to defend with 10 men for the entirety of extra time.
Argentina's behaviour throughout the World Cup was heavily criticised after Lionel Scaloni's men used aggressive tackling, timewasting and dirty tactics to aid them en route to the final, before several players attacked Spanish stars after the full-time whistle at MetLife Stadium in deplorable scenes of violence and thuggery.
Despite being under investigation by FIFA over the post-match melees, Fernandez urged that Argentina represented themselves 'in the best possible way' during the tournament.
'As time passes, you realise there is something much bigger than a result,' he wrote in a statement on social media platform Instagram. 'For years, this group has represented our country in the best possible way.
'It teaches that competing isn't just about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up. Being part of this group, which has always stood up, competed to the very end, and defended these colors with pride, humility, and commitment, is something I'll always cherish.
'I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for your affection, for your unconditional support, and for making us feel at home no matter where we are in the world.
'Wearing my country's shirt is the greatest honor of my career, and I will continue to give everything I have every time I'm called upon to defend it.'
Several Argentina players were involved in ugly post-match clashes with Spain's players immediately after the final whistle, which confirmed the European nation as world champions with a 1-0 victory after extra time.
Spain's captain Rodri was struck by Nahuel Molina as he went to celebrate with his team-mates, before Dani Olmo was punched by Argentina coach Roberto Ayala.
Elsewhere, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes attacked Eric Garcia by grabbing him by the neck and then, along with team-mate Thiago Almada's help, threw unused Spanish substitute Gavi to the floor in disgraceful scenes.
The deplorable post-match incidents came after Spain had dominated the match in terms of possession and chances, while Argentina attempted to stop them in their tracks with tough tackling, timewasting and dirty tactics.
After the final, world football's governing body FIFA swiftly opened an investigation into Argentina's violent post-match conduct, appointing a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to review footage, referee reports and documentation submitted by match delegates.
According to FIFA's Disciplinary Code, players found guilty of violent conduct should be issued with at least a three-match ban.
The same penalty applies to acts of aggression including punches, kicks, elbows, headbutts or other blows against an opponent.
Fernandez and his team-mates were also at the centre of controversy after celebrating with a banner claiming that the Falkland Islands were Argentine following their late 2-1 win over England last week.
FIFA are also investigating whether to issue a sanction in relation to the political statement, which is against their rules and regulations.
Fernandez played a key role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar before moving to Chelsea for a then-British record fee of £106.8million.
Following his behaviour and antics at the 2026 World Cup, Fernandez could receive a hostile reception in the first few weeks of the Premier League season when he returns to Stamford Bridge under new manager Xabi Alonso.
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