In the World Cup final, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a serious foul. After the match, The Daily Telegraph offered a sharp assessment of both the dismissal and Argentina's overall display.
The report said that shortly after being booked, Enzo launched into a challenge that sent Spain defender Cubarsi sprawling. Referee Vincic immediately showed him a second yellow card and sent him off. Enzo reacted in disbelief and tried to protest while also putting pressure on Cucurella. However, slow-motion replays clearly showed how dangerous the tackle was, leaving no controversy over the decision.
Enzo thus became the sixth player to be sent off in a World Cup final, and the third Argentine to do so. Over the course of the match, Argentina failed to register a single shot on target, instead relying on persistent fouling and physical battles.
The Daily Telegraph added that Argentina committed more fouls than any other team at this World Cup, with a style built around disrupting rhythm and imposing physical contact. In the final, they attempted to unsettle Spain's possession game in the same aggressive manner, but against a technically superior opponent, that strategy ultimately failed.
The report also noted that this was not the first time Enzo had been involved in questionable conduct. In the semi-final against England, he was said to have struck Anderson on the back of the head and made a controversial gesture during his goal celebration. It also referenced the major controversy he caused in 2024 over alleged racist remarks.
Meanwhile, 39-year-old Lionel Messi was unable to make a decisive impact in the final. Spain kept him under effective control, and he rarely looked threatening throughout the match. When the final whistle blew, Messi stood with tears in his eyes, staring at the pitch in what could well be his last appearance on the World Cup stage.
The Daily Telegraph concluded that although Argentina produced some memorable moments during the World Cup, their performance in the final, especially Enzo's conduct, cast a shadow over the defending champions' farewell. Spain's victory was built not only on technical superiority, but also on a clear edge in discipline and attitude.