Argentina's Gritty Semifinal Advance
Lionel Messi Powers Argentina Past Switzerland in Extra Time, Securing Semifinal Berth
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Defending World Cup champion Argentina survived a tense quarterfinal to reach the semifinals, beating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. Lionel Messi and Lautaro MartÃnez led the charge, but the match required 120 minutes to settle — the third straight knockout game where Argentina was pushed to the limit. NPR reported the team will now face England in Atlanta.
The win was not without controversy. Swiss forward Breel Embolo was sent off after a video review showed he had faked a fall — a red card that shifted the match's momentum decisively in Argentina's favor. Daily Gazette noted Messi continues to hold the record for career World Cup goals scored, and he remains undefeated in that category.
Argentina's Pattern of Close Calls in This Tournament
This was not the first time Argentina needed extra time in this World Cup. NPR reported the team also required extra time to escape Cape Verde in an earlier round. Then, against Egypt in the Round of 16, Argentina came back from 0-2 down to advance. Three straight knockout matches, three narrow escapes for the defending champions.
Despite the drama, Argentina kept winning. That ability to grind out results — even when playing poorly — is a hallmark of Messi-era Argentina. The team has not lost a World Cup knockout match since 2018.
Embolo Red Card Swings the Quarterfinal's Key Moment
Switzerland had kept the match competitive before the turning point arrived. Breel Embolo, one of Switzerland's most dangerous attackers, was shown a red card after video review officials determined he had faked a fall to draw a foul. The decision sparked immediate controversy. Playing with 10 men, Switzerland could not hold on.
Argentina scored in extra time to make it 3-1, putting the match beyond doubt. SWOK News reported the final score as Argentina 3, Switzerland 1 after 120 minutes of play. The red card proved to be the decisive moment in a match that had been level and tightly contested.
Messi and MartÃnez Lead Argentina's Attacking Threat
Lionel Messi continued to add to his record total of World Cup goals. His partnership with Lautaro MartÃnez gave Argentina its edge in the quarterfinal. MartÃnez, Argentina's center forward, has been one of the most clinical strikers in the tournament. Together, the pair have been responsible for the bulk of Argentina's goals in the knockout rounds.
Rutland Herald and GJ Sentinel both highlighted that Messi's record for career World Cup goals remains intact and growing. At 37, Messi is playing in what is likely his final World Cup. Each goal adds to a legacy that is already considered the greatest in the tournament's history.
Argentina vs. England: A Semifinal Loaded With History
Argentina's next opponent is England, and the two nations meet in Atlanta. Few matchups in World Cup history carry more baggage. Argentina and England have clashed memorably at the 1986 and 1998 World Cups. The 1986 match featured Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal — a moment still debated nearly 40 years later.
NPR noted the Atlanta semifinal sets up one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. England has also reached the semifinals with momentum. For Messi, a win over England would put him one match away from a second straight World Cup title — and cement his status as the greatest player the sport has ever seen.
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