After the FIFA World Cup final, Lionel Messi allegedly unfollowed Argentina teammate Enzo Fernandez on Instagram, according to a widely circulated social media rumor. Following Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain, the allegation started to circulate. Some reports claimed that Fernandez's late red card was the cause of the purported fallout. However, this is not true.An X tweet that said Lionel Messi confronted Fernandez in the dressing room following the game before unfollowing him on Instagram was the source of the rumor. After receiving hundreds of thousands of views, the post sparked a lot of conversation among football fans.An independent check of Lionel Messi's Instagram account reveals that the Argentine captain continues to follow Enzo Fernandez, refuting the widely circulated rumor.Why was Enzo Fernandez sent off in the World Cup final?Enzo Fernandez's tackle which sent Pau Cubarsí flying: Final - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Source: GettyJust before extra time, Argentina was reduced to 10 men after Fernandez was shown a second yellow card in the 93rd minute for a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.After disputing a decision with referee Slavko Vinčić, he received his first booking for dissent earlier in the second half. Later, Fernandez entered a challenge on Cubarsí late; the referee issued another yellow card, which inevitably led to a red. This was the second caution.With his dismissal, Fernandez became the third Argentine to be sent off in the tournament's main event and only the sixth player to be sent out in a men's FIFA World Cup final.After Ferran Torres scored the game-winning goal in extra time, Argentina eventually lost 1-0.Enzo Fernandez breaks silence after dismissal at the World Cup final View this post on Instagram Instagram PostFollowing Argentina's defeat, Fernandez uploaded an emotional post on Instagram, reflecting on the team's journey and thanking supporters despite the heartbreaking outcome. He wrote:"When time goes by, understand that there is something much greater than a result. This group has been representing in the best way for years. He teaches that competing is not just about winning, but leaving everything up the shirt, and never giving up. To be part of this group that always showed up, who competed to the max and who defended these colors with pride, humility and commitment."He went on to thank all the Argentinians who have been supporting the country:"I want to thank all Argentinian fans. Thank you for always being there, for accompanying us at every game, for the affection, for the unconditional support and for making us feel local anywhere in the world."He concluded that representing La Albiceleste is the greatest honor for him:"Wearing the shirt of my country is the greatest honor of my career and I will continue to give it my all every time I get to defend it."This statement came following his late red card in the World Cup final, but it did not address the social media rumor that the Argentina captain had unfollowed him on Instagram or the widely circulated rumors of an altercation with Lionel Messi.Lionel Messi against Marc Cucurella after Fernandez's dismissalLionel Messi pleading with Vinčić to punish Spain defender Marc Cucurella - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Source: GettyTelevision cameras showed Lionel Messi protesting to referee Slavko Vinčić shortly after Fernandez was sent off, pleading with him to punish Spain defender Marc Cucurella as well.The appeal was made after Cucurella seemed to cover his lips while conversing with Fernandez just prior to the tackle that led to the midfielder's punishment.Under a newly established FIFA rule at the tournament, players can face disciplinary action for covering their mouths during confrontations in certain instances. Lionel Messi appeared to believe Cucurella's actions needed additional examination, but neither the referee nor VAR took any action against the Spain defender.Further checks of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's verified Instagram account proved that Enzo Fernandez remains one of the players Lionel Messi follows, refuting the claim.The reported altercation in the locker room has not been verified by Argentina, FIFA, or reliable journalists.The loss was yet another painful chapter in Messi's World Cup history. Although he has yet to confirm whether he will retire from international football, many fans believe the 2026 final could be his final appearance on football's biggest stage.Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.