Enzo Fernandez found himself in hot water during the World Cup final as the Argentina and Chelsea midfielder received two yellow cards in just ten minutes against Spain. His dismissal by referee Slavko Vincic occurred as the match approached extra time, significantly impacting the game's dynamics.

The drama unfolded in the 82nd minute when Fernandez, after being lightly touched by Rodri, reacted angrily to the referee's decision not to award a free kick. His display of dissent earned him a yellow card, which he responded to with sarcastic applause.

In stoppage time, Fernandez's frustration boiled over again. A late challenge on Pau Cubarsi resulted in a second yellow card, leaving him with no choice but to exit the field. Fernandez's appeal for a VAR review was met with disbelief, and he showed remorse towards Argentina fans before expressing his frustration by kicking an advertising hoarding.

This dismissal marked Fernandez as the sixth player in history to be sent off in a men's World Cup final and the third from Argentina, joining the ranks of Pedro Monzon and Gustavo Dezotti from 1990, Marcel Desailly (1998), Zinedine Zidane (2006), and John Heitinga (2010).

In a separate incident, Lionel Messi was criticized for attempting to get Marc Cucurella sent off shortly after Fernandez's red card. Commentator Lee Dixon voiced his disdain for Messi's actions, arguing that such attempts to influence the referee over trivial matters diminish the integrity of the game.