'Last Dance' Messi, Chances for World Cup Title Again! Argentina Secures Back-to-Back Semifinal Berths... 'Extra-Time Battle' Defeats Switzerland 3-1

*This content was translated by AI.

Lionel Messi's (Inter Miami) "last dance" continues. The 2022 World Cup champion Argentina narrowly secured the final semifinal ticket after a hard-fought match against Switzerland.

On the 12th at 10 a.m. (Korean time), Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time during the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup quarterfinal held at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri, USA.

With this victory, Argentina will face England, which reached the semifinals by defeating Norway earlier, in the final match. Messi, who is widely expected to play his last World Cup, continues his "last dance."

Argentina deployed a 4-1-2-1-2 formation. Messi and Julian Alvarez started at the front, with Alexis Mac Allister positioned as the second striker. Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul took charge of midfield, while Leandro Paredes played as a defensive midfielder. The back four consisted of Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Nahuel Molina, with Emiliano Martinez guarding the goal.

Switzerland countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Breel Embolo started as the lone striker, supported by Dan Ndoye, Djibril Sow, and Fabian Rieder in the second line. Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler played as defensive midfielders, while Ricardo Rodriguez, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, and Denis Zakaria formed the back four. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel wore the gloves.

Argentina dominated from the start of the match. In the 10th minute of the first half, Messi delivered a precise cross from a corner kick, which Mac Allister headed into the net to break Switzerland's defense.

A historic moment. With this assist against Switzerland, Messi, who already has 21 career World Cup goals, became the first player in history to record double-digit assists in World Cup history. Through this assist, he is showcasing his incredible power with eight goals and two assists in this tournament alone.

Switzerland, conceding the opening goal, launched a counterattack but struggled to break through Argentina's organized defense. In the 20th minute of the first half, Sow's long-range shot went straight at goalkeeper Martinez. Even Freuler's free-kick shot, earned from Paredes' foul in stoppage time, missed the target. Argentina led 1-0 as the first half concluded.

Switzerland's attack intensified in the second half. In the 20th minute of the second half, Ndoye's sharp header shot was saved by goalkeeper Martinez, leaving Switzerland with regret.

Finally, Switzerland balanced the match. In the 22nd minute of the second half, after exchanging a one-two pass with Rodriguez, Ndoye scored an equalizer with a right-footed shot from outside the penalty box's blind spot, resetting the score to 1-1.

A major turning point occurred near the end of the match. In the 27th minute of the second half, Swiss attacker Embolo fell while making contact with Paredes inside the penalty box, attempting to draw a foul. However, video assistant referee (VAR) review declared it a simulation. Having already received a yellow card in the 44th minute of the first half, Embolo was sent off due to accumulated fouls. Switzerland found itself at a numerical disadvantage, playing with ten men for the remainder of the match.

Messi's footwork remained sharp even during stoppage time. In the second minute of stoppage time, Messi's exquisite right-footed curling shot narrowly missed the right side of the goal. In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Messi's corner kick was connected to Martinez's volley, but the goalkeeper made a diving save.

With one player short, Switzerland increased its defensive numbers even in extra time to withstand Argentina's relentless attacks. Although Argentina attempted to exploit cracks in Switzerland's defense with short passes, they could not easily create goals.

In the 8th minute of extra-time second half, Argentina put an end to the match. Alvarez charged from the left flank toward the center and scored with a right-footed curling long-range shot into the far corner of Switzerland's right goal. The ball was pulled into a position where even the goalkeeper could not reach it with his outstretched hand.

In stoppage time of extra-time second half, a decisive goal was also scored. In a counterattack, Almada attempted a shot in a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper, and Martinez pushed the second ball into the net, widening the lead by two goals.

Finally breaking through Switzerland's defensive wall, Argentina secured a narrow one-goal victory and advanced to the semifinals for two consecutive tournaments. They will face England in the semi-finals. Additionally, Spain and France will compete for the final ticket.

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*This content was translated by AI.