La Albiceleste advances with Messi’s clutch assist

Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City to reach the World Cup 2026 semifinals. Alexis Mac Allister’s opener, set up by Lionel Messi, came in the 10th minute and sparked a three-goal surge that sealed the win. This marks Argentina’s fifth straight semifinal appearance — a streak that underscores their dominance in the Messi era.

Messi, 39, ended his scoring streak but delivered his 10th World Cup assist, tying the all-time record shared with France’s Kylian Mbappé. The skipper has eight goals in six games, two behind Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. His impact went beyond stats: he whipped a pinpoint corner that Mac Allister powered home.

The match: from doubt to control

Early doubts arose when Messi took a knock near his right eye in the second half and required treatment. He returned to influence key moments. Switzerland equalized through Dan Ndoye at 67, forcing extra time. Julián Álvarez then struck a venomous left-footer at 112, and Lautaro Martínez added the third in stoppage time.

Swiss manager Murat Yakin admitted Messi’s 21-goal World Cup record made him nearly unstoppable. “There are many solutions — we’ll try to find the best,” he said with a wry tone. The Swiss packed the box, but the Argentine genius kept dictating play.

Messi’s World Cup journey

Messi had scored in nine straight games, six in the knockout phase. His first World Cup goal this time came in Kansas City, where he netted a hat-trick against Algeria. Though he missed two penalties — against Austria and Egypt — his leadership kept Argentina alive. He set up Cristian Romero’s 79th-minute header and equalized four minutes later before Enzo Fernández’s added-time strike sealed a 3-0 win.

Now 39 and playing his sixth World Cup, Messi remains Argentina’s guiding light. His assist in Kansas City caps a run where the team has won five straight and eyes the title in Atlanta.

Semifinals: Argentina vs. England

With the semifinal berth secured, Argentina faces England on Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta. The English arrive on a four-game winning streak and a physical style that saw them edge France in the quarters. Argentina counters with quick passing and Messi’s magic in pursuit of another crown.

Last result: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (2026-07-12).