Lionel Messi he failed to score for the first time in 10 games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Argentina captain still played a key role in his side’s 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday.Messi’s nine-game scoring streak ended, but he provided the assist for Argentina’s opening goal as the defending champions booked their place in the semifinals. Argentina will now face England in the last four.
Messi Magic
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister. The move started with Messi, who won a corner after a clever move down the left. The Inter Miami star then delivered a superb cross into the box, where Mac Allister headed home to make it 1-0.Switzerland struck again in the second half, with Dan Ndoye scoring in the 67th minute to force extra time.Julian Alvarez restored Argentina’s lead with a long-range strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez sealed the 3-1 victory with a goal in the dying seconds.
Switzerland managed to stop Messi from scoring
Before the match, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin was asked how his team planned to stop Messi, who had scored in each of his previous nine World Cup appearances.Yakin answered with a smile: “This is a very strange question. There are many answers, and we will try to find the best answer. We can talk a lot about it, but in the end it must be interpreted on the pitch, and we have our answers.”Switzerland did well to keep Messi off the bench, but they couldn’t stop him from impressing the game with his success and talent.
Scaloni praises Messi
Messi enjoyed another memorable World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals before the Switzerland game and helping Argentina reach the final.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also praised his captain after the win.“He’s like a machine. People who don’t really know him will be surprised, and at 39 years old some people will think he can’t win.”Scaloni added: “But I’ve said it before, as long as he wants to be successful – and I’m not saying this because I’m coaching him – but because if he wants to continue, he will continue to be successful.”While Messi’s stunning scoring spree ended, his assist proved to play a major role again as Argentina came one point closer to defending. FIFA World Cup head.
