Argentina survive another scare as Messi’s men beat Switzerland to book semifinal spot

Argentina’s remarkable FIFA World Cup title defence rolled on with yet another dramatic escape as Lionel Scaloni’s men defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City, keeping Lionel Messi’s dream of a second consecutive World Cup alive.

For the third straight knockout match, Argentina were pushed to the brink. After surviving Cape Verde in the Round of 32 and staging a comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16, the defending champions once again found themselves staring at elimination before producing a late surge.

Argentina made the perfect start when Alexis Mac Allister headed home Messi’s pinpoint corner in the 10th minute to hand the South Americans an early lead.

Switzerland responded brilliantly after the break, dominating possession and creating chances before Dan Ndoye equalised from a tight angle to set up a tense finish.

The match swung dramatically when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off after VAR overturned the referee’s original decision and issued him a second yellow card for simulation instead of booking Leandro Paredes. Reduced to 10 men, Switzerland defended heroically and forced the game into extra time despite relentless Argentine pressure.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute. After Messi’s shot was saved, Argentina recycled possession and Julián Álvarez unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner to restore his side’s lead.

Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, converting the rebound after Thiago Almada’s effort was parried away, ending Switzerland’s spirited resistance and securing a 3-1 win.

Argentina are now just two victories away from becoming the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title, a feat achieved only by Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).

Messi and company will face England in the second semifinal on July 16 in Atlanta after Jude Bellingham’s extra-time winner secured a 2-1 victory over Norway. The other semifinal will see France take on Spain on July 15 in Dallas.