The Argentine national team secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Switzerland in extra time early Saturday in Kansas City. The triumph carried special significance for Serie A, as Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez delivered a tournament-ending blow to several Italian-based players.
Argentina survives Swiss challenge to advance
While the Albiceleste emerged victorious, the path wasn’t easy. Alejandro Mac Allister put Argentina ahead with a header from a Lionel Messi corner in the 10th minute, but Switzerland equalized through Ndoye in the 68th minute. The dismissal of Swiss forward Breel Embolo—who attempted to draw a foul on Leandro Paredes—shifted momentum, yet Argentina couldn’t break the deadlock in regulation.
Julian Alvarez broke the stalemate in extra time, curling a stunning right-footed strike in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martínez, introduced in the 85th minute, sealed the victory with a clinical counterattack finish in the 121st minute, capping the 3-1 result.
Contentious moment between Messi and match official
The night was also defined by a fiery exchange between Messi and Portuguese referee João Pinheiro. After a heavy-handed challenge in the opening half, the Inter Miami star pushed back: “Talk to me properly—don’t disrespect me.” Though his frustration boiled over, Messi still orchestrated the first goal and extended his record as the World Cup’s all-time top assist provider.
The Argentine side now faces England in the semifinals on July 15 in Atlanta, a rematch 40 years after the infamous “Hand of God” incident.
