Rosario Central beats Estudiantes 3-1 to win Supercopa Internacional

Rosario Central defeated Estudiantes de La Plata 3-1 at the Madre de Ciudades stadium in Santiago del Estero to claim the 2026 Supercopa Internacional title. Alexis Castro gave Estudiantes a first-minute lead, but Angel Di Maria equalised with a spectacular free-kick and converted a disputed VAR-awarded penalty before half-time. Julian Fernandez added a third goal late in the second half to seal the victory.

The final was overshadowed by a series of contentious refereeing decisions. Referee Dario Herrera awarded a penalty for a Leandro Gonzalez Pirez challenge on Enzo Copetti on the edge of the area after a VAR review by Jorge Baliño. Later, Elias Veron avoided a second yellow card for a foul on Adolfo Gaich, and a potential handball by Ignacio Ovando was waved away. Estudiantes president Juan Sebastian Veron reacted with ironic applause and a scathing Instagram post accusing officials of a "ridiculous staging."

“"Maltrataron a la gente y la impunidad que manejan para robarte es increíble... una puesta en escena ridícula"”

Estudiantes suffered a nightmare first half regarding injuries. Uruguayan midfielder Gabriel Neves left by ambulance with a left wrist injury after just seven minutes. His replacement, Jalil Elias, lasted only minutes before suffering a leg injury while earning a yellow card. Fabricio Perez became the third midfielder used in the opening period.

The win gives Rosario Central their 14th title in club history and 13th at national level, adding to their sole international triumph, the 1995 Copa Conmebol. At 38, Di Maria delivered a player-of-the-match performance with two set-piece goals. The match ended in chaotic scenes as brawls broke out on the pitch and continued in the tunnel, while Estudiantes players sarcastically applauded the refereeing team and AFA president Claudio Tapia during the medal ceremony.