Enzo Fernandez faced backlash on social media after Argentina's defeat to Uruguay, with fans criticising his post-match comments as arrogant.
The international break offered some Manchester City players a distraction from the club's recent league form, but Fernandez was an exception as the Argentina midfielder suffered another defeat, this time with his country.
Argentina's Defeat to Uruguay
Argentina hosted Uruguay in the first match since Lionel Messi ended his international career. They conceded twice early in the second half at La Bombonera, through a Leonardo Balerdi own goal and a Maxi Araujo effort, with Julian Alvarez's goal proving too little, too late.
"We controlled the game from start to finish, beyond the goals they scored by chance," Fernandez said after the match.
Fan Backlash on Social Media
The comments did not go down well on social media, with fans making their feelings known. "A very mediocre statement from a mediocre professional," wrote one. Another gave a tongue-in-cheek response, saying: "In the next match, we'll let them equalise, just by chance."
Both parts of the midfielder's comments drew attention. "Goals are what count, kid. What match did you watch where you guys dominated the whole time?" asked another.
Mixed Reviews in Argentine Media
In the Argentine media, there was plenty of criticism of the underperforming stars. However, TyC Sports gave Fernandez one of the better scores of 6/10.
"We saw him in two different roles," they wrote. "In the first half, playing as he has been lately, also for his club, relaxed, without so much defensive responsibility, focused on making accurate passes."
"With [Exequiel] Palacios' substitution, we saw him in his other role, the one he hardly uses these days: the playmaker, the midfielder, the one who tries to direct the team with purposeful lateral passes and through balls, like the one that started Argentina's goal. It wasn't a spectacular match by any means, but even in adversity, he was clearly the team's leader today."
National team boss Lionel Scaloni urged patience, suggesting the youthful selection have the quality to grow. Ole agreed, taking some positives in a different manner to Fernandez.
"They needed to be bolder, showing less respect for a Uruguay side that has taught a valuable lesson: the importance of not letting their guard down and playing intelligently in every area of the field," they wrote. "Because the national team conceded the 0-1 goal due to a fluke, it's true, just as it's true that the attack originated from one of the (avoidable) free kicks generated on the edge of Rulli's penalty area."
The report continued: "Lessons that must be part of the learning process, in any case, in this new cycle that is taking shape. This cycle, in its embryonic stage, must accept the departure of its savior, and only with playing time and matches will its true stature be revealed. So, patience is key."
Next Matches for Fernandez
For Fernandez and his team-mates, there's a chance for redemption when Argentina take on Costa Rica on Tuesday. After that, the former Chelsea star will return to club action when City host Fulham on November 21.
