The Argentine national team secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the early hours of Saturday in Kansas City. The win carries special significance for Serie A, as Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez eliminated several Italian league players from the tournament.

On the field, Argentina struggled to assert dominance. Mac Allister gave them the lead with a header from a Messi corner in the 10th minute, but Switzerland equalized in the 68th minute through Ndoye. The dismissal of Embolo, who was booked for simulation after attempting to get Paredes penalized, shifted the momentum. Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina failed to break through in regulation time.

The deadlock was finally broken in extra time when Julián Álvarez unleashed a stunning right-footed strike in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martínez, who came on in the final five minutes of regulation, sealed the victory with a counterattack goal in the 121st minute, making the scoreline 3-1.

The match was also notable for a heated exchange between Messi and the Portuguese referee, Pinheiro. After a rough challenge on the Argentine captain in the opening half, Messi retorted sharply: “Talk to me properly, don’t disrespect me.” Despite the tension, Messi delivered the assist for the opening goal, further cementing his status as the all-time top assist provider in World Cup history.

Argentina will face England in the semifinals on July 15 in Atlanta, a rematch four decades after the infamous “Hand of God” incident.