Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has refused to get drawn into speculation about Lionel Messi’s potential retirement, insisting the Argentina national team is focused only on cherishing every moment with their superstar captain.
The partnership between Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez has been the driving force behind Argentina’s golden era. Since Fernandez’s debut in late 2022, the duo has shared the pitch in around 30 matches, boasting an impressive win rate and a points-per-game average of 2.55.
Their special bond was cemented during the 2022 World Cup, when Messi provided a pinpoint assist for Fernandez’s brilliant goal against Mexico — a strike that made Enzo the youngest Argentine to score in a World Cup since Messi himself.
Since then, the Chelsea midfielder has repaid the favor with several crucial assists, most notably a perfectly weighted pass that set up Messi’s record-breaking goal just 80 seconds into the 2023 friendly against Australia.
Together, the pair has delivered the ultimate international treble for Argentina: the FIFA World Cup, Copa América, and the Finalissima.
Enzo Fernandez on Lionel Messi’s retirement
Argentina are preparing to face Mauritania in a friendly after their scheduled match against Spain was cancelled.
Speaking to OLE, Enzo Fernandez admitted he has no information about when — or if — Messi will retire, but revealed the squad’s mindset is simply to enjoy playing alongside the legendary forward as much as possible.
“I have no idea if it is the last time or not, and we always try to enjoy with Leo to the fullest every moment we have in the National Team and we always take it responsibly,” Fernandez said.
Meanwhile, Fernandez’s own future remains uncertain heading into the summer transfer window, despite previous reports suggesting he is committed to staying at Chelsea.