Enzo Fernandez sent off in World Cup final for 'stupid' challenge on Spain star

Enzo Fernandez sent off in World Cup final for 'stupid' challenge on Spain star The Argentine becomes the sixth player to be sent off in a World Cup final Don't Miss Most Read Latest Enzo Fernandez has been sent off in the World Cup final for a "stupid" challenge on Spain star Pau Cubarsi. The Argentine midfielder went flying in on the centre-back while on a yellow card, causing the Spanish defender to front-flip in the air. Former England striker Alan Shearer labelled the move as "stupid" while speaking on the BBC, with Argentina now down to 10 men for extra time. Fernandez insisted that he should not have been sent off, getting into a physical altercation before exiting the field of play. Enzo Fernandez has been sent off in the World Cup final |REUTERS Amid the coming together, Marc Cucurella engaged in conversation with Argentina's Lionel Messi. The Spanish left-back appeared to put his hand at the bottom of his mouth while speaking to the forward. Messi did not respond to Cucurella, immediately protesting to the referee for the full-back to be sent off for covering his mouth. The Spaniard did not have his hand fully over his mouth, and the pair's discussion was not in any form of confrontation. The Argentine caused the Spanish defender to flip in the air |REUTERS LATEST SPORTS NEWS Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart hit out at Messi's antics, suggesting that it was not a good look. Argentina forced Spain to extra time in the final, drawing 0-0 in normal time. They went to extra time in the 2022 World Cup final, eventually drawing the game and winning on penalties. Spain have been dominating proceedings throughout the match, with Emi Martinez making several brilliant stops. The Argentine apologised after being sent off |REUTERS The Spaniards are in pursuit of their second World Cup after winning their first in 2010. Several of their winning squad from that year are in attendance including Andres Iniesta, Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol and Xavi. Argentina are poised to try and retain their title, which would see them become the first nation to do so since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Fernandez was insistent that he should not have been sent off |REUTERS Messi is currently the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or, with another World Cup almost guaranteeing the 39-year-old the award. He has been in pursuit of the Golden Boot at this World Cup, going into the weekend level on terms with Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman scored two goals last night in the third-place play-off against England, meaning his tally rose to 10, with Messi needing at least two goals tonight to share the Golden Boot, and a hat-trick to claim it solely. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter