Messi Paves Path as Argentina Advances to Semifinals

Argentina’s World Cup campaign endured another close call as the Albiceleste edged past Switzerland 3‑1 in extra time on June 11, securing a spot in the July 15 semifinal against England. Lionel Messi set up the opening goal from a corner, but the 39‑year‑old veteran kept a low profile as strike partners Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez delivered the decisive strikes. The win underscores Argentina’s depth, highlighted by Alvarez’s spectacular finish, which Messi praised as a “golazo” reminiscent of his own Atletico Madrid days. The victory also marks a second extra‑time triumph in a week for the defending champions, who have now advanced past Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland.

Quiet Night for Messi, Rise of Alvarez and Martinez

Despite steering the team to the knockout stage, Messi posted a quiet performance against Switzerland, contributing only the corner that led to Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal in the 10th minute. The veteran forward was sidelined for much of the match, allowing Alvarez to shine with a stunning strike and Martinez to add an insurance goal in extra time. Messi’s post‑match comments highlighted Alvarez’s emerging status: “He scored a golazo, but it’s not the first time… He has a very good strike of the ball and showed it today.” The pair’s combined effort ensured Argentina progressed, reinforcing the narrative that the squad can win without Messi dominating every game.

Key moments from the quarterfinal include Dan Ndoye’s equaliser in the 67th minute, a moment that briefly threatened Argentina’s momentum, and Breel Embolo’s second yellow for simulation just five minutes later. VAR later overturned a yellow card for Leandro Paredes, leaving Switzerland reduced to ten men before the extra‑time ramp‑up. The Swiss defense held firm for 90 minutes, but the extra period exposed fissures, leading to the decisive Alvarez strike and Martinez’s calm finish. The result sees Argentina into the semifinals, where they will face a seasoned England side on July 15.

Argentina’s Road to the Semifinal

Since securing the round‑of‑16 win over Egypt, Scaloni has kept the same starting XI, a strategy that proved successful against Switzerland. The squad’s resilience has been a hallmark of their 2022 World Cup triumph and recent Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024. “This group competes and never stops pushing,” Messi reflected, emphasizing the team’s relentless drive. The upcoming July 15 clash with England will be the third time the two nations meet in a World Cup knockout stage since the 1986 classic, adding historic weight to the match.

Recovery will be a focus for the camp in Kansas City, KS. Starting players will not train Sunday night, but the full team will resume sessions on July 13 and 14 to prepare for the semifinal. “It’s about trying to rest because we’ve racked up a lot of minutes,” Messi noted, acknowledging the physical toll of consecutive extra‑time games. Scaloni’s confidence in Messi’s condition remains high, despite the captain turning 39 this year. The Argentine manager praised the veteran’s continued effort, a testament to his dedication to the squad’s success.

Argentina vs Switzerland Gallery

World Cup Action Gallery

Key stats:

• Opening goal by Alexis Mac Allister in the 10th minute.
• Dan Ndoye equalised in the 67th minute.
• Breel Embolo sent off (second yellow) in the 72nd minute.
• Alvarez and Martinez scored in extra time.
• Argentina’s fourth consecutive extra‑time win in the tournament.