Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández has described his first experience of seeing and playing alongside Lionel Messi as “absolutely exceptional,” offering a heartfelt glimpse into what it means for a new-generation star to share the pitch with the country’s greatest-ever footballer.
Speaking in an interview, Fernández admitted that the moment felt surreal, almost unreal. “It was absolutely exceptional seeing Messi in front of me for the very first time,” the Chelsea midfielder said, reflecting on his early days with the Argentine national team. For a player who grew up idolising Messi, the transition from fan to teammate has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Fernández revealed how his daily routine once revolved around gaming and watching Messi’s matches on television. “I was actually first playing PlayStation, then watching his matches… and after that was my training session with him,” he explained.
The statement perfectly captures the generational shift within Argentine football, where young stars who grew up watching Messi are now sharing dressing rooms with him.
The 23-year-old midfielder has quickly become an important figure for Argentina, showcasing maturity, composure, and tactical intelligence well beyond his years. However, even with his growing reputation on the international stage, Fernández remains in awe of Messi’s presence and influence.