Excluisve: Enzo Fernandez on World Cup 2026, Lionel Messi and Argentina Captaincy 'Dream'

Enzo Fernandez enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of the tournament's top players, one of Argentina's most crucial cogs, and as a defending champion.

The World Cup 2022 was a transformative one for the midfielder; a relative unknown before the competition in Qatar began, Enzo became an increasingly prominent figure in Argentina's engine room, ultimately playing the entire 120 minutes of the nail-biting 3-3 final with France, which was eventually decided by penalties.

Fernandez won the tournament's Best Young Player award and in the subsequent January transfer window completed a £107m transfer to Premier League club Chelsea.

Since then, Fernandez has developed from a deep-lying and tenacious defensive protector into an all-round midfielder, often operating as a No.8 or No.10 in Chelsea's midfield and finishing the 2025/26 season with 15 goals at club level.

If Argentina are to become the first country to successfully defend the World Cup since their great rivals Brazil in 1962, the 25-year-old will play a crucial role.

GIVEMESPORT's senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs held an exclusive interview with Fernandez, in which he discussed his move to Stamford Bridge and the now-infamous racism scandal involving a song directed towards the France national team.

As part of that discussion, the midfielder also revealed his thoughts on the 2022 World Cup, and his hopes for the 2026 edition in North America.

England, Spain and France feature in the top 10.

"It meant so much to me on a personal level. It was my first World Cup. I felt so pleased to play in it first of all, and then to win it as well. It meant everything to me and the squad. It was a target that Argentina hadn’t achieved in many years and now we can’t wait for the next one."

"I was excited to make my competition debut and be able to tell my children or even grandchildren one day that I played at the World Cup. I finally fulfilled a longstanding dream. I felt so proud to represent my country at the World Cup."

Was it a shock losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia?

"It was such a disappointing moment for us because we knew how important it was to kick off with a win, but we showed our togetherness as a squad and we spoke about it internally while staying focused on the clash against a tough Mexico side next. We couldn’t disappoint our families or everyone who came to Qatar to support us, especially after such a long flight, so that was our mentality. We discussed the loss internally, and then it all turned out for the best."

What was it like to score your first World Cup goal against Mexico?

"It was my first World Cup goal. I never imagined actually doing that, so scoring that goal was such a thrill for me."

GIVEMESPORT ranks the best 100 footballers involved in this summer's World Cup, from Neymar to Kylian Mbappe.

What do you remember about the World Cup final?

"It was a crazy World Cup final. It was an incredible game. We had it all under control until the 80th minute and then we saw what football is like and how everything can change in the blink of an eye. It was an emotional rollercoaster, so being part of it, playing in the game and winning was so exciting."

How important was Emi Martinez's save to deny Randal Kolo Muani late on?

"Emi Martínez saved us during a key passage of play in the game. He’d already shown his quality in other games. He was so important for us at the World Cup. He came to the rescue with just a few minutes left thanks to that historic save that will never be forgotten."

Did you expect to win Young Player of the Year?

"I didn’t expect that award and didn’t even know it existed, so it was a big surprise to receive it during the final. I’m so proud to have won it because the best players take part in the World Cup, including youngsters, so I feel exceptionally proud. It was a unique moment because they called me up and I didn’t know which trophy I was going to receive. It was so strange for me. I remember the moment when they handed me the award as they also gave Messi the trophy for the best player at the World Cup and Emi Martínez received the Golden Glove. We all stood alongside each other. I have the trophy and my medal in my office."

How has winning the World Cup changed you as a footballer?

"I’ve developed a lot individually. Regardless of winning the World Cup or not, you naturally develop in football. You keep improving and working on your weak points, so I certainly feel more mature and like more of a leader. I’ve been working on all that on a personal level and the club [Chelsea] gives me belief to implement that day-in, day-out. I’m happy with my role and hope to keep improving by showing what I’m doing in every training session with the passion that I transmit to my team-mates."

What does it mean to be not just a World Cup winner, but also a Copa America champion?

"On a personal level, it means so much to win two major trophies with my country and to represent Argentina. As a boy, I always dreamed of winning something with the national team and getting to represent our people. Having done so at such a young age and being part of such big achievements is something for me, my family and the people who love me to be proud of. I’ll always want to win and compete for my country at the highest level."