​Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in the World Cup, sealing a semi-final clash with England in Atlanta next Wednesday and, for the first time in Lionel Messi’s storied career, a shot at another historic milestone. Messi once again proved pivotal in the victory, though video assistant referee reviews also played a prominent role. In the end, it was Julian Alvarez who produced the decisive moment with a spectacular strike in the second half of extra time.
Switzerland began the match with intent, yet the sold-out 69,000-strong crowd—despite a few visible empty seats—tung to support the South Americans, who soon found their rhythm through their captain. Messi weaved space and created an early chance that culminated in a corner for his side. From that set piece, Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to head home, finishing a delivery that Messi had whipped in.
Argentina surged into a lead inside the opening ten minutes, but from there they became more pedestrian, and the Swiss began to exert control. Tuchel’s men dominated possession and posed more frequent threats going forward, offering a reminder to England and to fans in Miami celebrating their own dramatic win that the Swiss could be dangerous opponents. The Swiss supporters finally found their voices, and chances came in quick succession as Breel Embolo, Djibril Sow, and Granit Xhaka were thwarted by Emi Martinez before Dan Ndoye equalized with a crisp finish from close range just past the halfway mark of the second half. The equalizer felt deserved given Switzerland’s sustained pressure.
The stage was set for late drama. Argentina received a significant boost when VAR intervened to disallow Embolo’s goal, citing mistaken identity after showing a second yellow to the Swiss forward for simulation in his own half—an offence he had already picked up a booking for. The decision, controversial and fiercely disputed by the Swiss, gave Argentina a numerical advantage and immediately spurred them forward on the attack. Mac Allister looked to double his tally late in normal time, but his headed effort drifted wide as the whistle signaled extra time.
With extra time underway, the Swiss pressed on, but Alvarez emerged as the difference-maker with a stunning strike curling into the top corner from distance, netting his first goal of the tournament. The goal electrified the stadium and gave Argentina renewed confidence. In the dying minutes, Lautaro Martinez added a third, sealing a 3-1 victory and booking a blockbuster semi-final spot.
The result means England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, will travel to Atlanta to face Argentina next Wednesday for a place in the World Cup final. It will be their first meeting in more than two decades and a high-stakes tie that promises to attract massive attention as Argentina bid to extend Messi’s glittering legacy on the world stage while England seek to reach another final after a dramatic campaign.