Messi Fails to Score as Argentina Beat 10-Man Switzerland to Reach World Cup Semi-Finals

• Defending champions Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

Defending champions Argentina have secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in a dramatic quarter-final clash at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday.

Julian Alvarez emerged as the hero for the South American giants, scoring a stunning long-range strike in extra time to break Swiss resistance and send Lionel Scaloni’s side into another World Cup semi-final.

Argentina made the brighter start and took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister powered home a header from Lionel Messi’s pinpoint cross to put the reigning champions ahead.

Despite conceding early, Switzerland refused to back down and gradually grew into the contest, creating several dangerous moments before finding a deserved equaliser in the 67th minute.

Dan Ndoye finished from close range after a well-worked move, bringing the European side level and setting up a tense finish to normal time.

The game’s turning point came five minutes later when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card after being judged to have simulated inside the penalty area.

Initially, referee Joao Pinheiro booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, but after a VAR review under FIFA’s new mistaken-identity protocol, the decision was overturned and Embolo was instead sent off, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Argentina pushed for a winner before the end of regulation time, with Lisandro Martinez coming close after throwing himself at a loose ball inside the penalty area, but his acrobatic effort lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.

Lionel Messi also nearly added his name to the scoresheet after racing through on goal, only to see his delicate chip brilliantly saved. Although the assistant referee raised his flag for offside, television replays suggested the goal could have stood.

With the match heading towards penalties, Alvarez produced a moment of brilliance in the 112th minute.

The Manchester City forward unleashed a powerful strike from around 25 yards that flew into the top-right corner, restoring Argentina’s lead and sending their supporters into celebration.

As Switzerland committed players forward in search of another equaliser, Argentina exploited the spaces left behind.

Deep into stoppage time of extra time, Thiago Almada led a swift counterattack before his effort deflected into the path of Lautaro Martinez, who calmly slotted home Argentina’s third goal to seal the victory.

The win sends Argentina into a mouthwatering semi-final clash against England on Wednesday in Atlanta after the Three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 following extra time.

The other semi-final will see Spain face France in another heavyweight encounter.

Argentina are now just two victories away from becoming only the third nation in history to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title, following Italy and Brazil.

Although the defending champions have now been taken to extra time in consecutive knockout matches, including their Round of 32 victory over Cape Verde, Lionel Messi and his teammates remain firmly on course to retain the trophy as they prepare for a high-stakes showdown with England.