Messi leads Argentina to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals: result of the match against Switzerland
This is according to Ukrainska Pravda.
Argentina opened the scoring right from the start
The Argentines took the lead in the 10th minute. Following a corner taken by Lionel Messi, Alexis McAllister won the aerial duel and headed the ball into the net.
Before half-time, both sides played cautiously and created almost no clear-cut chances. The Swiss tried to win a penalty after Breel Embolo went down in the penalty area, but the referee did not spot a foul.
Switzerland equalised but were reduced to ten men
After the break, Murat Yakin’s side stepped up their attacking play and equalised in the 67th minute. Dan N’Doye finished off a swift move with a precise shot into the far corner.
However, just a few minutes later, the Swiss were reduced to ten men. After consulting VAR, the referee rescinded Leandro Paredes’ yellow card and booked Breel Embolo for simulation. This was the striker’s second booking of the match.
Alvarez and Martínez secured victory for Argentina
The match ended in a draw after normal time, although Lionel Messi had a chance to snatch victory late in the second half but was unable to beat goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
The match was decided in extra time. In the 112th minute, Julián Álvarez struck a powerful long-range shot into the top corner, and in the dying seconds of extra time, Lautaro Martínez finished off a counter-attack to seal the final score at 3–1.
2026 World Cup. Quarter-finals, 12 July
Argentina v Switzerland – 3–1 (after extra time)
Goals: McAllister, 10, Álvarez, 112, Lautaro Martínez, 120+1 — N’Doye, 67.
Sent off: Embolo, 72 (Switzerland).
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