​Messi’s Argentina and Switzerland faced off in a World Cup quarterfinal with a spot in the semifinals on the line, as the defending champions chased another title while a rejuvenated Swiss side aimed to disrupt their bid. In Kansas City, moments from the high-stakes clash captured the tension as Lionel Messi and his teammates sought to keep Argentina’s title defense alive against Switzerland’s determined challenge. Ahead of the match, Messi, wearing the number 10 shirt, warmed up at Kansas City Stadium in anticipation of the quarterfinal showdown on July 11, 2026, with photographer Carl Recine among the captures for Getty Images.
Editor’s note: Follow the LIVE World Cup semifinal coverage as the action continued beyond regulation time. The 90 minutes were not enough to decide the fourth quarterfinalist, and extra time ultimately determined Argentina’s fate in this round. Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a 3-1 victory in extra time over Switzerland. The Swiss pressed hard in the second half, even after going a man down, but Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the second half of extra time, sealing their progress to the next stage.
With the quarterfinal behind them, Messi and Argentina prepared to take on England in the semifinals, a clash for which tickets were already in high demand. England had defeated Norway in extra time earlier on Saturday, setting up a semifinal matchup that would be played on Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta. Here is everything you need to know to buy Argentina vs. England World Cup semifinal tickets in Atlanta.
Argentina vs. England World Cup tickets
– As of publication, the cheapest ticket to watch Argentina vs. England in the World Cup semifinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is $2,523.
– For those seeking closer seats, the cheapest lower-level options start at $4,433.
– Tickets are available to purchase for the Argentina vs. England World Cup semifinal in Atlanta.
Argentina’s lineup and celebrations
– Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, wearing number 20, celebrated his team’s first goal in the quarterfinal against Switzerland at the Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026.
– The sequence of results for Argentina leading up to the quarterfinal included a 3-0 win against Algeria on June 16, a 2-0 win against Austria on June 22, a 3-1 win against Jordan on June 27, a 3-2 victory against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3, and a 3-2 win against Egypt in the Round of 16 on July 7, followed by the 3-1 win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals on July 11.
England’s path to the semifinals
– England’s results on the road to the semifinals included a 4-2 win against Croatia on June 17, a 0-0 draw with Ghana on June 23, a 2-0 win against Panama on June 27, a 2-1 victory over Congo in the Round of 32 on July 1, a 3-2 win against Mexico in the Round of 16 on July 5, and their quarterfinal win that set up a semifinal date with Argentina.
Semifinal schedule and venue
– The Argentina vs. England semifinal was scheduled for July 15 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.
– TV coverage included FOX in English and Telemundo for Spanish, with streaming options on FuboTV (for both English and Spanish coverage) and other platforms.
Photography and media notes
– The event featured numerous stills, including images of Messi warming up for the match and celebrations from key moments, such as Mac Allister’s first-half goal against Switzerland and other notable plays captured throughout the tournament.
Ticketing and pricing context
– For fans planning to attend the semifinal in Atlanta, ticket prices were higher than typical group-stage games, reflecting the high demand for a World Cup semifinal featuring Argentina, a perennial favorite, and England, a nation with a large, passionate following.
In summary, Argentina’s victory over Switzerland propelled them into a semifinal showdown with England, setting the stage for a high-profile clash in Atlanta. The narrative from Kansas City captured the tension of the quarterfinals and the excitement surrounding Messi’s continued pursuit of another World Cup title, as Argentina aimed to advance to the final and solidify their status as one of football’s most storied teams.