Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) celebrates his goal vs. Egypt, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Lionel Messi has been the unquestioned hero for Argentina in its quest to repeat as World Cup champions. But Tuesday night, Enzo FernΓ‘ndez joined him in the spotlight. His go-ahead goal in stoppage time gave Argentina a 3-2 win over Egypt and a spot in the quarterfinals against Switzerland on Saturday.
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The defending champions trailed Egypt 2-0 until Cristian Romero got them on the board in the 79th minute. Messi scored in the 83rd minute β his tournament-leading eighth goal β to tie the game before FernΓ‘ndez scored three minutes into stoppage time to take the lead.
It was the second straight dramatic win for Argentina, which escaped with a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde in the round of 32.
“This is a phenomenal group that never gives up,” FernΓ‘ndez told reporters after the game. “Four years have passed since Qatar, and we’ve come to enjoy another World Cup β and we want to win it again. That’s what we’re aiming for.”
FernΓ‘ndez, 25, was the winner of the Best Young Player Award at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar thanks in part to a goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico, but he was still waiting for a major moment in this year’s tournament in what’s already his second World Cup appearance.
That came on Tuesday night.
“Itβs the most important goal of my career,” he said after the match. “Itβs first, and the second is the Mexico one. Iβve been longing for this goal for about three years, ever since the World Cup in Qatar. To be able to experience moments like this β honestly, I thank God. I feel privileged.”
Argentina forced a turnover in its defensive third of the field, then quickly launched a counter attack. Lautaro Martinez received a pass near midfield on the wing and FernΓ‘ndez made a run down the other side of the field. Martinez launched a cross into the box and the defender couldn’t recover in time before FernΓ‘ndez was heading it into the side netting.
“When the ball went in, I thought of my whole family up there in the stands, of everyone in the stadium, and of the people back in Argentina,” FernΓ‘ndezΒ said. “Honestly, my heart was filled with emotion and pride. We know that all Argentines are rooting for us, and thatβs absolutely crucial for us.”
FernΓ‘ndez was mobbed by his teammates after the goal, but after the game he was quick to praise them β and God. He said the team is always united and refuses to give up, even when down 2-0 late in a knockout game.
“I’m truly grateful to God,” he said in Spanish. “I feel incredibly blessed, and all the glory belongs to Him.”
He added to that with a post on Instagram, where he shares in his bio that he’s a “child of God.” He posted photos of him scoring the goal and celebrating with his teammates along with a caption that, when translated to English, reads: “All the glory to God. Grateful to live these moments in this shirt. What a team, what a family. We never stop believing. Thanks to all Argentinians for the support. Weβre in the quarters now. Weβre going for more, see you in Kansas.”
He also gave thanks to God in a post ahead of the World Cup, stating that he was grateful to be selected for Argentina’s squad.
“Very happy and grateful to be able to represent my country in another World Cup,” he wrote (translated). “Thank you God for this new opportunity, for every step of the way and for allowing me to continue living this dream. With pride, faith and a heart full of excitement, we are going for everything.”
FernΓ‘ndez started his professional career in 2019 with River Plate, a team based in Argentina’s top league, Liga Profesional de FΓΊtbol. He was sent on loan to Defensa y Justicia in the same league from 2020-2021, then officially departed River Plate to join Benfica in Portugal’s top league, Primeira Liga.
His success in the 2022 World Cup caught the eye of several major clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool of the English Premier League. FernΓ‘ndez eventually went to Chelsea during the EPL’s transfer window on an eight-and-a-half-year contract with a total financial package worth roughly $142.6 million.
FernΓ‘ndez scored Chelsea’s opening goal in a 4-1 win over Real Betis in the 2025 Conference League final, which made Chelsea the first team to win all four major European competitions. Six weeks later, he helped lead Chelsea to a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final.
He posted on Instagram thanking God for the success he experienced in 2025.
“A year of great learning and unforgettable moments,” he wrote. “Thank God, who sustained me, guided me, and blessed me in every stage; and thank my family, the fundamental pillar of my life, and everyone who accompanied me and stood by my side. I wish you all a very happy new yearβmay all your dreams come true, with lots of health, love, and faith. Here’s to an even better 2026, hand in hand with God.”
He also shared in an interview in March that he got baptized. And when asked about his success, he said he doesn’t believe in luck because he believes in God.
“I am a believer. God truly changed my life,” he said (translated). “He truly transformed me. My heart, honestly β He transformed it.”
Argentina and Switzerland kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday in Kansas City.
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