Fernandez was a key part of the Argentina team which triumphed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He featured in every minute of a gruelling final against France which ended in victory for the South Americans in a penalty shootout, after a 3-3 draw across 120 minutes of football.

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He now has the chance to become a double world champion simultaneously, having helped Chelsea reach today’s final of the Club World Cup in the USA, where we will also face French opposition in the form of Paris Saint-Germain.

That gives the midfielder rare experience of what it takes to succeed in a global final, which he shared ahead of today’s 3pm kick-off local time (8pm UK time) at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

'The key, I think, is that in finals you play very focused,’ explained the 24-year-old, who also tasted victory in a final with the Blues in May’s UEFA Conference League triumph.

‘We know that we can’t give them space and we know that we can't give them chances, because they have very good players.

‘Winning this Club World Cup would be very important for the club. Obviously, Chelsea have won it in the past, but a second wouldn’t be a bad thing!

‘So we’ve been preparing for the match in the best possible way. We know we are facing a great team, but we are confident in ourselves and are also a great team.

‘So we have prepared well and now we will go out onto the pitch and give our best.’

There is one big difference for Fernandez this time around, though. In 2022, he was the new face in the Argentina team, becoming the breakout star for his country at that World Cup.

Now with Chelsea in 2025, he is already established as a senior figure in the squad and captains the side in the absence of skipper Reece James.

‘I don’t view being captain as a responsibility, but something that comes naturally to me,’ he added. ‘It’s beautiful being able to captain Chelsea. I arrived a few years ago and now I’m one of the captains, which says that I’ve been doing something well.

‘I am very grateful that my team-mates have trusted me and the club have trusted me. Obviously, I have a responsibility to train well every day, to be there for my team-mates, and to always give my best.’

The midfielder also discussed the evolution of his role under the guidance of Maresca, who has encouraged the Argentinian to play as a more advanced midfielder and increase his presence in the final third.

That has resulted in Fernandez posting career-best figures of nine goals and 18 assists across all competitions so far this season, with one last crucial fixture to play.

‘After he [Maresca] arrived, he told me about his idea of the position where he wanted me to play, and I think that with time I understood what he was asking me,’ added the midfielder.

‘Since then, I have scored goals and made assists, which helps the team and personally helps me. So I am very happy.’

What better time for Fernandez to round things off with his 10th goal of the campaign than in today’s final, to help make Chelsea Club World Cup winners and seal his own status as a world champion with club and country.

The last remaining tickets to see our Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey can be purchased from FIFA here. You can also watch the game live anywhere in the world via DAZN by signing up for free here.