Fernandez relishing every moment with Messi at Argentina

Enzo Fernandez said he will “try to make the most of every moment” he spends with Lionel Messi with the Argentina national team.

The Chelsea midfielder played a crucial role in helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, being named young player of the tournament.

Fernandez featured in all seven of Argentina’s games on their way to global triumph, scoring and assisting once, while he also contributed to five goals in their qualifying campaign for the 2026 edition (two goals, three assists).

Messi is yet to confirm whether he will play for La Albiceleste at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, insisting he will only take part if he feels “100%”.

Fernandez revealed his pride in helping Messi lift the World Cup, something he was motivated to do after Argentina’s previous failures.

“Winning the World Cup with Messi was incredible,” Fernandez told GIVEMESPORT.

“We were fully motivated because our team grew up watching Leo at home on TV. We’d been fighting for it for many years and Messi had unfinished business.

#SelecciónMayor ¡#Argentina está clasificada al Mundial 2026!

Los números abrazan nuestro desempeño y ya tenemos plaza asegurada para la máxima cita

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— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) March 25, 2025

“I’m so proud that I was able to share that moment with him and win the World Cup alongside him, knowing what it meant to him and all of us.

“Of course, we all wanted to do it for him because it was the only sporting achievement missing for him.

“He’s a great person and I’m so proud to share these moments with him. He’s the greatest of all time, so it’s a privilege to share the dressing room with him.

“It’s a huge thing for me and I’m really enjoying it. I try to make the most of every moment spent with him.”

Argentina will find out who they will face in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup on December 5, with the draw taking place in Washington D.C.

The Opta supercomputer hands Argentina an 8.7% chance of retaining their title, with European champions Spain (17%) backed as early favourites.