Argentina captain Lionel Messi bathed real Madrid– linked midfielder Enzo Fernandes with praise, saying he was an integral part of Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Enzo Fernandez is one of the most impressive Argentine players in 2022 world cup. He not only excelled in midfield in the park, but also in the opposition box.
Fernandes, 21, scored in La Albiceleste’s crucial Group C win over Mexico. In the 87th minute, Fernandes received Messi’s short corner, made several touches inside the penalty area, and found the top right corner with an unstoppable curve. His goal netted an insurance goal for Argentina as they beat Mexico 2-0.
After the game, Lionel Messi praised Fernandes’ performance, calling him a fantastic footballer. As reported by Argentine outlet Ole, Messi said:
“Enzo doesn’t surprise me, I know him, I see him train every day, I’ve played against him in the Champions League and he deserves it. A very important player.”
Real Madrid are believed to be considering other options amid pessimism over the signing of Jude Bellingham. According to Real Madrid, Fernandez, who joined Benfica from River Plate in the summer transfer window, has become a target. Real Madrid have allegedly been following Fernandes during his time at River Plate, but never took action.
Portuguese giants Benfica can keep Fernandes at the club until June 2027, and it is unlikely they will sell him on the cheap to Real Madrid. They are also not expected to let the player go in the January transfer window.
Lionel Messi could make history by scoring against Netherlands in 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final
Lionel Messi, who has three goals and one assist in four appearances for Qatar, will lead Argentina to a quarter-final victory over the Netherlands on December 9. Friday’s goal against the Netherlands will also see the Argentine reach a very special milestone, making him the joint top scorer in Argentina’s World Cup history.
Lionel Messi has scored 9 World Cup goals (23 games) in his illustrious career so far. He needed just one more to equal Gabriel Batistuta’s World Cup tally and go down in history as the Silver’s joint top scorer at the World Cup.
However, reaching the milestone against the Dutchman will not be easy. Louis van Gaal’s side are unbeaten in 19 games and have conceded just twice in four games so far. The Paris Saint-Germain maestro will need to bring his A-level game past the Dutch defender at Lusail’s iconic stadium on Friday.
