When Argentina’s World Cup ambitions were again going towards national heartbreak, they desperately needed a savior.

Mexico proved a tough and an unbreakable resistance, repelling every pass or move Argentina threw at them.

Lionel Scaloni’s men flattered to deceive, lacking imagination in attack whilst also looking lost as a cohesive unit. It was the same story in their shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia ending their 35-unbeaten streak spanning three years. They looked uncomfortable for much of the game, still recovering and in total shock from the Saudi result.

It wasn’t until the footballing gods provided the Argentines with a pure World Cup moment, the solution to their incredibly drab and uncharacteristic footballing sins, more importantly they provided a player who could help calm the storm.

It wasn’t the great Lionel Messi, who bagged the all important first goal but it was one on his way to worldwide stardom, a player banked on to become one of the nation’s biggest footballing hopes in the future, that man was 21-year-old midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

When a player blessed with such grace and class as Lionel Messi heaps praise and admiration for you, you’ve certainly got to be a special player. And in Fernandez’ brief 33 minutes on the pitch against Mexico, the Benfica midfielder exerted just why he is one of the most exciting and complete midfield talents in Europe, in Argentina and arguably in world football.

Enzo’s strike in the 87th minute from a Messi assist was his first goal for his country in only his fifth international cap.

“I’m not surprised,” Messi said when asked about Fernandez post-match. “I see him every day, I train with him, I have even played against him in the Champions League,” added Messi about the youngster, who represents Portuguese side Benfica. 

“Enzo deserves this goal. He is spectacular, and a very important player for us, like everyone in our group. I’m very happy for him and for us because he gave us peace of mind with that 2-0 [lead],” added Messi.

Indeed, the former River Plate is spectacular, and its such praise which will only heighten his ceiling and popularity amongst fans on the continent and in world football. Yet, it won’t be Messi’s comments alone which will provide him with the adulation, but his performances on the grandest stage.

In fact, amongst Argentina, many believe Enzo Fernandez should be a regular in the senior setup and the performance before he arrived on the scene against Mexico proved just why. Messi and co, for much of the game were too frenetic, laboured, lacked composure and cohesion and looked like a team well short of being World Cup contenders, especially considering the amount of quality in Scaloni’s midfield.

Guido Rodriguez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo de Paul all failed to provide Argentina with the spark, quality and creative imagination to breach Mexico’s stout low-block. In fact, Lionel Messi could hardly look his usual self playing alongside them, until Scaloni recognised his team desperately needed a midfield savior, an anchor and a player blessed with the art of control, composure and a decisive mindset in all of his actions.

Step forward Enzo.

The 21-year-old maestro was superb from the moment he entered the tense showpiece. Fernandez’ instantly provided the class, and assurance needed in possession. They already looked a settled side, confident and dominant the moment the Benfica man entered the fray. He successfully completed 22 of his 27 passes, won four out of his seven total duels, also successfully completing 100% of his dribbles. And within seven minutes of his introduction, Lionel Messi broke Mexico hearts with a superb drilled shot from outside the box.

But it was the second goal which stole Argentinian fan’s hearts, a sublime piece of skill and curler from Fernandez – assisted by Messi – which will now finally announce his class and quality on the world stage.

If you’re only now just hearing of the former River Plate wonderkid, you’ve sorely missed out. The San-Martin born midfielder has only been playing in Europe four months, and he’s already one of the most prestigious of his position on the continent, and that is down to the unique qualities he exerts in midfield. Some of it was made paramount against Mexico on Saturday night, but Argentinian fans will want more of it.

He was utilised as a no.6 in place of Guido Rodriguez against Mexico, but what will be pivotal for Argentina providing they go deep into the tournament is Fernandez’ wonderful versatility. Capable of playing in a deep-lying role, as well as a marauding box-to-box no.8 or even a creative and inventive central midfield role.

The 21-year-old also mixes excellent technical proficiency with tremendous levels of effort, endeavour and application + a highly intelligent tactical understanding to boot. He’s incredibly combative in his midfield duels, protects the space and his backline incredibly well, also a wonderful passer of the ball with excellent vision and high levels of accuracy, and is very purposeful in his midfield actions whilst also possessing the knack of dribbling into dangerous territory or out of it to devastating effect.

It’s no wonder why fans are baffled as to why he can’t get into Scaloni’s XI.

In his first spell in European football in just four months at Benfica, he’s already bossing the Champions League, playing against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi in the group stage, and also a leading midfield man in the Portuguese top-flight.

The World Cup platform is made for searing future superstars like Enzo Fernandez, and it’s only right Scaloni changes tact and includes the 21-year-old in his plans starting against Poland on Wednesday. Potential elite suitors keeping tabs on Fernandez will be hoping Scaloni rewards him with opportunities too.

How Argentina should line-up against Poland on Wednesday:

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