Fernandez defends Argentina as Messi questions remain

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez has claimed Argentina represented their nation "in the best possible way" during the World Cup, despite ugly scenes during and after their final loss to Spain.

Fernandez was sent off late in normal time for two yellow cards and Spain won 1-0 after extra time on Sunday in New Jersey.

His first booking was for showing dissent towards Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic and Fernandez was later dismissed for catching Pau Cubarsi with a challenge that sent the defender cartwheeling in the air.

But, in a statement on social media, the Chelsea midfielder did not mention the red card and said: "As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result.

"For years, this group has represented the team in the best possible way. It teaches that competing isn't just about winning; it's about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.

"It has been a privilege to be part of a group that always stepped up, competed at the highest level, and defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment."

Keeper Martinez may 'step aside' from Argentina

Fifa opens investigation into Argentina post-final trouble

Members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players who had begun to celebrate their World Cup success.

Fifa's disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess what happened and any player or coach involved could face suspension, while the Argentine Football Association may also be fined.

Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to be involved, with Paredes pushing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat.

Spain's Gavi tried to intervene, but was forced to the ground by Almada, before Paredes pushed Gavi to the turf by putting his hand in the Spaniard's face.

Ayala then looked to be holding Garcia around the throat, before appearing to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.

While the match ended with ugly scenes broadcast around the world, questions remain over what happened behind closed doors prior to kick-off.

There has been widespread speculation on social media about what was said in the Argentina dressing room before the game, including whether Lionel Messi informed his team-mates that the final would be his last match for the national side.

It comes after Argentine television company RLC Noticias posted footage appearing to show Messi urging his team-mates to stay calm on their walk to the tunnel - and "forget about everything else".

In the footage, which has not been verified by the BBC, Messi is seen saying: "Let's go, boys, [let's keep] calm people, calm. The main thing is for us to remain calm, boys, that we remain calm.

"Let's just concentrate on playing, nothing else - calm, OK? Forget everything else.

"Let's just play, let's just concentrate on playing. Let's go."

The actions of the Argentina players on the pitch were heavily criticised by former England internationals.

Ex-England captain Alan Shearer said: "Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.

"We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible."

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart added: "The game's done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened. Disgusting behaviour."

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni attempted to calm the situation down in his post-match interview.

He said: "We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.

"We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn't mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here."

Argentina, the World Cup winners in 1978, 1986 and 2022, won their first seven matches in North America, beating Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England before losing to Spain.

Against Egypt, Argentina were 2-0 down before scoring three late goals to win and in the semi-final with England, the Three Lions led 1-0 until the 85th minute before goals from Fernandez and a Lautaro Martinez header gave them a 2-1 win.

Several media outlets in Argentina have suggested the final could be Scaloni's last in charge and called it the end of an era, with talisman Lionel Messi, in tears at the end, unlikely to play at another World Cup.

"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things," Messi wrote on social media.

However, the team were still greeted by thousands of Argentina fans with an open-top bus parade through the streets of Buenos Aires.

Scaloni and 16 of his 26 players returned to the country and were welcomed by a red carpet and military band at Ezeiza International Airport.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made 11 saves during the final, was among the players in Argentina, but Messi was one of those who did not make the trip, instead returning to Miami where he plays club football for Inter Miami.

When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport