On September 27, 2026, Rosario Central, led by Argentine star Ángel Di María, secured a 3-1 victory over Estudiantes, claiming the Argentine International Super Cup title. The match, held at the Único Madre de Ciudad de Santiago del Estero stadium, was marked by controversy due to questionable refereeing decisions. The game started strongly, with Alexis Castro scoring for Rosario Central just 53 seconds into the match.
The match took a dramatic turn when Gabriel Nieve, a player for Estudiantes, was substituted out and taken to the hospital due to a hand injury just 12 minutes into the game. Di María equalized for Rosario Central in the 23rd minute with a direct free kick. The team then took the lead in the 34th minute after a penalty was awarded following a VAR review, which Di María successfully converted.
The second half of the match was intense, with altercations between players from both teams. In the 90+6 minute, Julián Fernández scored a counter-attack goal, securing the win for Rosario Central. This victory marked the team's first title in the domestic Super Cup competitions. The match ended in chaos, with a brawl erupting between players on the field, which continued until they entered the locker rooms.
Juan Sebastián Verón, a prominent figure in Estudiantes, confronted the referee, saying, "The whole ball is yours, you thief." The incident was part of a larger context of tensions between the two teams, with a history of conflicts, including a six-month suspension for Verón and 11 players from Estudiantes in November 2025 due to disputes with the Argentine Football Association.
Ángel Di María's performance in the match was particularly notable, as it contributed to him becoming the second most decorated Argentine player in terms of titles, with 38 titles, behind Lionel Messi. The Argentine International Super Cup is one of four Super Cup competitions held in Argentina each season, with Rosario Central's victory marking a significant achievement for the team.
The Argentine Super Cup competitions include the Champions Cup, the International Super Cup, the Domestic Super Cup, and the Super Cup of Champions. Rosario Central's victory in the International Super Cup sets the stage for their participation in future competitions, including the Super Cup of Champions, which will feature the winners of the Domestic Super Cup and the Argentine Cup 2026.
The match's outcome was met with criticism from Estudiantes' players and staff, with some, like Verón, expressing discontent with the refereeing. The Argentine Football Association's decision to award the title to Rosario Central was not without controversy, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the teams and the challenges of maintaining fair play in high-stakes matches.
Key points
- Ángel Di María led Rosario Central to a 3-1 victory over Estudiantes, securing the Argentine International Super Cup title.
- The match was marked by controversy due to questionable refereeing decisions and a brawl between players.
- Rosario Central's victory marked their first title in domestic Super Cup competitions.
