EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez got his marching orders in the 93rd minute of stoppage time in the World Cup final, sent off for a second yellow card after a tackle near midfield that flipped Spain defender Pau Cubarsí off his feet.
After a tense 90 minutes, things popped to life in stoppage time. Lionel Messi took a free kick from distance and opted to play short, with the play recycling and ending in perhaps Argentina’s best chance of the game, though it still didn’t result in the team’s first shot on goal.
A SECOND YELLOW CARD FOR ENZO FERNÁNDEZ AFTER THIS CHALLENGE AND HE IS SENT OFF 🟥 pic.twitter.com/RGKN2Np1RG
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 19, 2026
As Spain recovered, substitute winger Nico Williams broke in on goal and drew a save from Albiceleste shot-stopper Dibu Martinez. As Argentina cleared the danger once more near the center circle and looked to get into its final third, Cubarsí ran forward to win the ball, only for Fernandez to clip his boots and send him flying.
Fernandez had gone into the referee’s book in the 82nd minute for another harsh tackle.
The 90 minutes ended with neither team able to score and headed to extra time.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Argentina down a man vs. Spain in final minutes of World Cup final. See the red card
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