As the 2026 World Cup looms on the horizon, Enzo Fernández is poised to step up as one of Argentina’s key leaders, guiding La Albiceleste in their bold quest to defend the crown they claimed in Qatar. The Chelsea star’s meteoric rise from a budding midfielder to a global sensation was sealed during that unforgettable 2022 tournament, and in an exclusive chat with GiveMeSport, he opened up about his whirlwind journey over the past three years—and the thrilling challenges awaiting the reigning champions next summer.
For Fernández, the 2022 World Cup wasn’t just a debut; it was a life-altering triumph. “It meant everything to me,” he shared. “My first World Cup, and to not only play but win it? It filled me with pure joy.” On a national level, it was a monumental achievement for Argentina, ending a decades-long drought. “As a team, we brought home something the country hadn’t seen in ages,” he added. “I’m buzzing for what’s next—fingers crossed we get a favorable draw to keep the momentum going.”
But perhaps the most electrifying part of Fernández’s story is his experience sharing the pitch with his lifelong idol, Lionel Messi. The motivation alone was off the charts. “I’d watched Leo on TV my entire childhood,” he confessed. “To actually win a World Cup alongside him? It was beyond incredible— a memory etched in my heart forever.” Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, had chased that elusive trophy for years, and Fernández felt the weight of the honor. “It was the one thing missing from his legendary career. Helping him lift it was an absolute privilege.”
The initial shock of lining up with Messi hit Fernández like a thunderbolt. “It was surreal—he’s always been my hero, and I dreamed of this moment,” he revealed. “At first, it was overwhelming, but as I got to know him, it started feeling more natural. Still, he’s the greatest of all time. Being in the same locker room? I savor every second of it.”
With eyes fixed on 2026, Fernández knows the pressure is immense. “We’re geared up to defend our title and go for back-to-back glory,” he declared. “That’s the Argentine way—we demand excellence.” The nation’s fiery passion fuels the team, but they also carry the awareness that this could mark Messi’s swan song on the world stage. “We get it; it might be Leo’s final World Cup,” Fernández said solemnly. “The squad’s united in protecting that star we earned in Qatar and making it unforgettable.”
The stage is set for high drama as the 2026 World Cup draw unfolds this Friday, December 5. Argentina, along with the global elite, will discover their routes in the revamped, expanded spectacle hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Will luck smile on the defending champs? Only time will tell, but with leaders like Fernández and icons like Messi, La Albiceleste are ready to chase history once more.