Chelsea Record Signing Enzo Fernandez Explains Messi’s Impacts on Him

• Enzo Fernandez helped Argentina and Lionel Messi win the 2022 FIFA World Cup
• He was named the best young player of the tournament for his exploits in Qatar
• The win helped him secure a move to Chelsea in January for a British record fee

Chelsea battled against the resistance of Benfica president, Rui Costa to secure the services of young midfielder, Enzo Fernandez on the January transfer deadline day for a British record fee of £106.8 million.

Fernandez only joined Benfica last summer and his exploits for Argentina at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was also named as the best young player of the tournament, announced him to the world.

The versatile midfielder is now settling into life in West London.

Despite the team's rough patch, he has been one of the standout players in Graham Potter's team and has not looked out of place despite just joining.

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Fernandez describes Messi's impact

As reported by Goal, Lionel Messi provided the assist for Fernandez's goal for Argentina, a rocket against Mexico in the second group game at the World Cup, which set the country on track for progress.

In his first full interview with Chelsea's official website, he described the veteran as as an inspiration for both him and the country.

‘‘I’ve always said Messi was a player I look up to. I’ve always tried to learn from him. He’s a great person and has given me love and support within the team."

‘‘He’s a great person. Very humble, hard-working. He deserves everything he’s achieved in football,’’ he added.

The 22-year-old also played against Messi in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. Benfica and PSG played to two 1-1 draws and both teams progressed to the knockout stages.

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Thiago Silva defends Fernandez

The former Benfica midfielder has not only enjoyed support from his national team captain, but he has also enjoyed it from rivals Brazil's national team captain, Thiago Silva, who is now his Chelsea teammate.

Karim Adeyemi outpaced Fernandez to score Borussia Dortmund's only goal against the Blues in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League, which made Brazilian media criticise him.

The veteran defender spoke in defence of his new teammate and slammed the media, as reported by Sports Brief, asking them to get serious with their jobs and not look for cheap ways to disrespect players.