Enzo Fernandez’s winning goal for Argentina against Egypt put an end to a surprisingly long period of time since the last Chelsea midfielder found the net at the World Cup.
With the world champions staring down the barrel of a Round of 16 elimination, they scored three goals in less than 15 minutes to complete a stunning 3-2 comeback win.
Like he has been so often for Chelsea, Fernandez was in the right place at the right time to head his nation ahead, a lead they wouldn’t let slip.
Argentine media were full of praise for the midfielder, and he became the first Blues player to score at the 2026 World Cup.
The goal put an end to a surprisingly long wait since a midfielder associated to the club had scored, with that being Oscar during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The former Blue scored twice for his country, with the most recent being in the infamous 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany.
Chelsea fans, share your expectations for Xabi Alonso! 🏆
Despite being Chelsea’s all-time top scorer, Frank Lampard never managed a goal at the tournament, with Michael Ballack another who never did either when associated with the Blues.
Moises Caicedo’s goal in 2022 came before he had joined Chelsea, a tournament where Fernandez had also scored as Argentina went on to win it.
Enzo Fernandez needs to leave Chelsea for the good of the club 👋🏻
Thoughts?
That campaign had been key to Chelsea deciding to smash their record transfer fee back in 2023 to sign Fernandez, with him pushing to leave the club three years later.
At this stage though, his dream move to Real Madrid is in serious jeopardy after they publicly announced they were not currently pursuing the deal.
It still remains to be seen where he will be playing his football next season, although Xabi Alonso will be pleased to see one of his current players on the scoresheet at last at this tournament.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
