Argentina Sets Unwanted Record with Three Red Cards in World Cup Finals

Argentina's Historic Red Card Milestone

Enzo Fernandez received a red card late in the match during Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final. This made Argentina the first country ever to have three players sent off in a single World Cup final, according to Sports Mole.

The Chelsea midfielder first picked up a yellow for arguing with referee Slavko Vincic. Just three minutes into stoppage time, he was shown a second yellow after a reckless challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi. At that point, Argentina was still trying to hold on for penalties, with the score locked at 0-0 after regular time.

Spain Clinches Victory Late in Extra Time

The match was decided in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres finished from a pass by Nico Williams, sealing the win for Spain. Notably, Argentina didn’t manage a single shot on target throughout the entire game.

Argentina’s Troubling Final Match Discipline

Fernandez joins Pedro Monzon and Gustavo Dezotti, who were both sent off during Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to West Germany in the 1990 final. That 1990 match remains the only other World Cup final where two players from one team were dismissed. Previously, France shared this dubious record with Argentina, having two players sent off in separate finals—Marcel Desailly in 1998 and Zinedine Zidane in 2006. Now, Argentina stands alone with three red cards in finals.

This loss also adds to Argentina’s long-standing struggles in World Cup finals. Alongside Germany, they now hold the record for most final defeats with four each. Their three championship wins came in 1978, 1986, and 2022, but their frequent runner-up finishes paint a tough picture.

A Difficult End for Argentina’s Campaign

Fernandez had been a key player throughout Argentina’s journey to the final. Coach Lionel Scaloni relied heavily on him during the knockout stages. The manner of their exit—a frustrating red card, conceding a single goal, and showing little offensive threat—will likely weigh heavily as the team looks ahead to future tournaments.