Argentina’s World Cup title defense rolls on. Lionel Messi, 39, and his teammates beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinal at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, July 11, setting up a semifinal spot.
It almost ended a round earlier
Argentina nearly went out in the round of 16. Against Egypt on July 6 in Atlanta, the defending champions were down 2-0 past the 75th minute. Then the comeback began:
- Cristian Romero headed in a Messi assist to make it 2-1.
- Minutes later, Messi scored the equalizer.
- In the seven minutes of added time, Enzo Fernandez headed in the winner for a 3-2 victory.
Messi was visibly emotional as the team celebrated on the field after the final whistle.
Our take
Two late comebacks in a row show a team that doesn’t panic, and a captain still making the difference at 39. Argentina’s run is quickly becoming one of the stories of the tournament.
