In a couple of days it will be the first month since Argentina were crowned world champions Qatarr, with Lionel Messi in the lead but with a team of outstanding performances, including that of Enzo Fernández. And the former River player received a well-deserved tribute to his club, Portugal’s Benfica, this Sunday in the preview of the classic against Sporting Lisbon, which ended 2-2.
The relationship between the 21-year-old midfielder and the Portuguese fans had become strained after Fernández had traveled to his country to celebrate the World Cup and take a few days off, without the club’s authorisation. But based on fatigue, football and goals, Enzo has already quickly turned those quarrels into applause.
He took to the field at the Estadio da Luz with his team-mates, but when he took off his jacket he was wearing the world champion’s gold medal. People applauded him and Benfica players made a corridor in which they playfully patted him, including Nicolás Otamendi, whom they had recognized earlier.
Why is Enzo Fernández being honored now? It was his first home game since he returned. He had previously played for Portuguese Cup protagonists Benfica, scoring a fine goal in the 2-0 win against Varzim. At the celebration, the Scudetto was shown and he made gestures to show that he would remain in the team, despite the negotiations with Chelsea, which did not go through.
Finally, the team of Fernández and Otamendi (also a starter) drew 2-2 against Sporting Lisboa and both played the full 90 minutes. With this result, Águilas remain top of the Primeira Liga with 41 points, four more than their backup, SC Braga.
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.