"Team full of dirty players", "Trying for UFC" - Fans want Lionel Messi's teammate banned after red card vs Colombia

Fans reacted to Lionel Messi's teammate Enzo Fernandez receiving red in Argentina's 1-1 2026 FIFA World Cup home qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday (June 10). The Albiceleste have already qualified for next year's quadrennial showpiece.

Luis Diaz's 24th-minute opener at the Estadio Monumental had set the visitors on course for a famous win on the road. Fernandez's dismissal 20 minutes from time for a high challenge on Kevin Castano put Lionel Scaloni's men on the back foot as they chased the game.

Thiago Almada struck the equaliser 11 minutes later to force a share of the spoils. Fans, though, weren't impressed with Fernandez's challenge, with one tweeting:

"Enzo will be feeling like Bundesliga logo"

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Another chimed in:

"That was a serious high boot."

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Another fan wrote:

"He is trying for UFC or kick boxing"

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There were similar reactions from other fans, with one commenting:

"That was a brutal challenge by Enzo Fernandez on Kevin Castano. Straight red was the right call - way too reckless. Hope Castano's okay."

Another said:

"Enzo Fernandez should be banned from playing football. Argentina's team full of dirty players."

One fan wrote:

"Enzo Fernandez should be permanently banned from football for what he just did. If this went to the back of the head, he could've permanently damaged the Colombian guy. He's truly one of the most disgusting players I've ever seen."

Following the stalemate, Lionel Messi and Co. remain atop the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying standings with 35 points from 16 games, winning 11, 10 points clear of second-placed Ecuador with two matches remaining.

How has Lionel Messi fared for Argentina in their World Cup qualifying campaign?

Argentina talisman Lionel Messi has had a rather quiet 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The Colombia game marked his fourth straight goalless outing, providing one assist during this period.

Overall, the 38-year-old has tallied six goals and three assists in 11 games. He hasn't scored since bagging a hat-trick and two assists in a 6-0 home win over Bolivia in October last year.

Messi's overall record for Argentina now stands at 112 goals and 61 assists in 193 games across competitions, including 34 goals and 14 assists in 71 World Cup qualifiers.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Bhargav