​Want to see more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here. Argentina can secure a place in the World Cup semifinals today, and once again, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi.
The Argentine icon steps into this quarterfinal against Switzerland in peak form, having found the net in every game he’s played at this tournament. Messi is tied with Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot standings, and Argentina remains intent on becoming the first side in years to win back-to-back World Cups.
Switzerland, however, are no bevy of easy opponents. They are well-organized, dangerous on the counter, and they just knocked Colombia out in a tense penalty shootout. If Argentina squander chances the way they did against Egypt, this could become a uncomfortable encounter quickly.
Whether you expect Messi to score, assist, or conjure another knockout-stage moment, today’s quarterfinal presents several appealing betting angles. Let’s dive into Messi’s latest odds, player props, and the top World Cup picks for Argentina vs. Switzerland on July 11. I mean… was there any chance we were going with another market?
Messi heads into today’s quarterfinal against Switzerland in ridiculous form, having scored in every World Cup match he’s played this tournament. He’s now up to eight goals and is in a Golden Boot duel with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Messi has been more than a pure scorer; Argentina still runs through him in the moments that matter most. He remains the primary creator, a constant shooting threat around the box, and the player most likely to punish Switzerland if they give him space between the lines.
Switzerland are organized and dangerous on the counter, so Argentina cannot afford wasteful finishing they displayed against Egypt. But if this quarterfinal opens up, Messi should be at the heart of Argentina’s best chances. With Argentina pursuing a spot in the semifinals and Messi pursuing the Golden Boot, this remains my favorite goalscoring angle on today’s card.
Bet Lionel Messi to score anytime at bet365! This number is short, but Switzerland’s setup may actually make Messi more dangerous, not less. The Swiss are unlikely to play recklessly. They’ll sit compact, protect central areas, and try to frustrate Argentina into slower possessions. That sounds like a problem until you remember Messi doesn’t need chaos to score. He thrives in those half-spaces at the edge of the box, where a loose clearance, a late challenge, or a defender dropping off can turn into a left-footed finish. Argentina also won’t want this match drifting toward penalties.