Argentina survived a spirited Swiss challenge and a dramatic extra-time battle to secure a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, booking a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against England.
The defending champions appeared to be in control after taking an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister in the 10th minute.
Lionel Messi delivered a perfectly weighted corner and the midfielder rose above the Swiss defence to head into the top corner, giving Argentina the fastest goal they have scored in the tournament.
Despite falling behind, Switzerland enjoyed long spells of possession and gradually grew into the contest.
Murat Yakin’s side created their best first-half opportunity when Remo Freuler tested Emiliano Martinez, but Argentina went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
The Swiss returned from halftime with greater urgency and eventually found a deserved equaliser in the 67th minute.
Dan Ndoye combined neatly with Ricardo Rodriguez before cutting inside and firing past Martinez to make it 1-1.
The momentum of the match changed moments later following a controversial VAR intervention. Referee João Pinheiro initially booked Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Breel Embolo, but a review showed Embolo had simulated the foul.
The yellow card was rescinded and issued to the Swiss striker instead, resulting in a second booking and a red card that reduced Switzerland to 10 men.
Argentina pushed hard for a late winner and Messi came agonisingly close in stoppage time when his trademark curling effort drifted just wide.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel also produced an excellent save from Lisandro Martinez as the match headed into extra time.
With the numerical advantage, Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated much of the additional period. Kobel continued to frustrate Argentina, denying Thiago Almada and Messi, while Switzerland defended resolutely and threatened occasionally through Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute. Substitute Jose Manuel Lopez fed Julian Alvarez near the left edge of the penalty area, and the striker curled a superb right-footed shot into the top-right corner for his first goal of the World Cup, putting Argentina 2-1 ahead.
Switzerland tried to force one last response, but Emiliano Martinez preserved the lead with a fine jumping save late in extra time. Deep into stoppage time, Argentina struck again on the counterattack.
Messi led the break before the ball eventually found Lautaro Martinez, who calmly finished to seal a 3-1 victory.
The result sends Argentina into a mouthwatering semi-final against England, with the South Americans continuing their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.
(The Whistler)