Fans were left purring after Enzo Fernandez pulled off one of the most audacious passes in recent memory.
The Chelsea midfielder lined up for Argentina in their first qualifying game for the 2026 World Cup.
The holders got themselves off to the best possible start thanks to Lionel Messi’s 76th-minute winner in a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Thursday night.
Fernandez got the better of new Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo, who featured for Ecuador at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental.
Messi’s goal wasn’t the only talking point from the game as Fernandez provided an edge of the seat moment, leaving fans in awe.
The 22-year-old received an awkward diagonal ball just inside his own half, which bounced slightly behind him.
In most cases, a player might opt to check their run, turn and collect the ball with their back to goal, but not Fernandez.
Rather than halt his forward run, the 2022 World Cup winner, opened his body up and produced a stunning backheel pass over his and a defender’s head and into the path of a team mate to start a counter attack.
The silky move has proved popular on social media with fans quick to commend the midfielder.
One fan wrote: “Genuine joke of a footballer.”
Another added: “Honestly what?”
A third fan wrote: “I’m convinced he’s Messi in deeper areas.”
A Chelsea fan added: “He might be top 10 best players we’ve ever had.”
Whilst another wrote: “The power of instinct, Starboy Enzo.”
It was a brief moment of respite for Fernandez who has found his time at Stamford Bridge frustrating following the club’s prolonged period of indifferent form.
Chelsea have won one of their opening four Premier League games and find themselves slumped in 12th place on the table – the exact same position they finished last season.
The Blues will hope Fernandez’s time with the world champions will help inspire the west London side’s bid to kick-start their season when they travel to Bournemouth after the international break.
