Argentina fought off a spirited Switzerland side to win 3-1 after extra time, booking their place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni’s team looked in control early on, but the match turned into a hard-fought battle before the defending champions finally pulled clear in the additional 30 minutes.
Mac Allister’s Header Sets the Tone
Argentina made a blistering start, breaking the deadlock inside the opening ten minutes. Lionel Messi swung in a dangerous corner from the left, and Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to power a header past Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. It was Argentina’s quickest goal of the tournament and gave them early command of the game.
Switzerland refused to fold, though, hitting back after the interval through a well-taken equalizer from Dan Ndoye. The Swiss then suffered a major setback when Breel Embolo was shown a red card, leaving them to play the remainder of the match a man down.
Extra-Time Goals Seal the Win
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Switzerland held firm through the remaining 90 minutes, pushing the contest into extra time. Argentina eventually found the breakthrough they needed, with Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez both finding the net to put the result beyond doubt.
While Messi didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, his fingerprints were all over the victory. He set up two goals on the night, taking his World Cup assist tally to double figures and extending his knockout-stage goal involvements to 15 — yet more proof of his enduring influence on the biggest stage.