Argentina won the quarter-final with Switzerland 3-1 on Saturday to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face longtime rivals England.
The South American side had a flying start in Kansas City with their first goal coming in the 10th minute.
However, Alexis Mac Allister received the ball from Messi in the form of a pass and headed the ball into the net giving Argentina the much-needed lead.
After the break in the second half, Switzerland started to fight back aggressively and were able to equalise the score in the 67th minute of the match.
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The goal was scored by Dan Ndoye.
However, moments later a yellow card was given to Breel Embolo and he was sent off the field. VAR ruled that he had tried to win a foul unfairly.
However, Argentina was still struggling to the defence of Switzerland, which had gotten too determined. Even though it had ten players on the field.
In the 112th minute of the match, the scores finally changed when Julian Alvarez shot the ball into the top corner of the goal. It was a curling shot and resulted in Argentina’s second goal.
Lautaro Martinez added a third goal late in extra time to seal the victory.
The result extends Argentina’s unbeaten run at the World Cup to 12 matches as they continue their bid to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title.
Argentina will now meet England in the semi-finals after England defeated Norway 2-1 earlier on Saturday.
The two nations have one of football’s most famous rivalries, shaped by memorable World Cup matches and historical tensions.
FAQs
Why was Breel Embolo sent off?
He received a second yellow card after VAR determined he had attempted to win a foul unfairly.
Who will Argentina play in the World Cup semi-final?
Argentina will face England in the semi-finals after England’s victory over Norway.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina beats Egypt after hard-fought encounter
