Enzo Fernandez sent off for brutal challenge in World Cup qualifier
- Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card after a dangerous challenge on Kevin Castano during a World Cup qualifier.
- The incident occurred as tensions rose in a match that ended 1-1, with Argentina managing to equalize despite being a man down.
- Chelsea fans reacted positively to Fernandez's dismissal, viewing the international break as a chance for rest.
In a World Cup qualifier match held months ago, the Argentine national football team faced Colombia in a highly charged atmosphere. The game took place at the Estadio Monumental, where Argentina aimed to bounce back after trailing 1-0 due to a brilliant goal scored by Luis Diaz in the first half. As the match intensified, Enzo Fernandez, playing for both Chelsea and Argentina, committed a serious foul that resulted in him being shown a straight red card. His challenge on Colombian midfielder Kevin Castano struck the latter in the face, leaving him bloodied and requiring medical attention. The dismissal came with just 20 minutes remaining in the match, which further escalated tensions on the pitch. Lionel Messi also found himself embroiled in heated exchanges with Colombian players, particularly targetting James Rodriguez after comments Rodriguez made about their previous Copa America final. Messi confronted Rodriguez, stating that he believed Rodriguez had made false claims regarding referee decisions that favored Argentina in that match. Both players exhibited their frustration, indicating the level of rivalry between the two national teams. Fernandez's expulsion left Argentina to finish the match with ten players, complicating their efforts to equalize after falling behind. Nevertheless, Argentina demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. Shortly after Fernandez's exit, substitute Exequiel Palacios, who replaced Messi, assisted Thiago Almada to score the equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw for the visiting Argentine squad. This result was crucial as it maintained Argentina's lead in South American World Cup qualifiers, confirming their place in the tournament. In the aftermath, Argentina's players, including Messi and Nicolas Otamendi, voiced their frustrations towards the referee, claiming that poor officiating had impacted the match's conduct. Thus, the game became not just a battle on the field but also a contest of wills, fueled by the high stakes of qualification for the World Cup. This incident added to the historic tensions between Argentina and Colombia, informing future encounters and the narrative surrounding the intense rivalry.