Lionel Messi is starting his 205th appearance for the national team as Argentina v Switzerland kick off their World Cup 2026 quarter-final. The stakes are massive. The winner of this clash books a semi-final ticket against England, who just barely survived Norway after a 2-1 win in extra time.
Lionel Scaloni is not gambling today. He has kept the exact same XI that fought back from the dead against Egypt in the Round of 16. The man is cooking! Scaloni knows this combination works, and he is sticking to the script for the biggest game of the tournament so far.
Will Messi carry Argentina to the semis?
Messi is the heartbeat. Starting him for the 205th time shows that Argentina still believes the GOAT is the only way to get past a disciplined Swiss side. The Egyptians almost had them, but that fightback proved this squad has the stomach for the fight. If they bring that same energy tonight, Switzerland will be in trouble.
For the fans in Kampala, this is the kind of game that keeps you awake until 2am. It is a clash of styles. The fightback against Egypt makes Argentina look dangerous, but Switzerland are never an easy nut to crack.
Who faces England in the semi-finals?
It is a straight fight. Either Argentina or Switzerland will walk into a semi-final showdown with England. The Three Lions are already waiting after that exhausting 2-1 victory over Norway. That Norway game was a scrap, but England survived. Now they wait to see if they will face the magician Messi or the Swiss wall.
Argentina have the momentum. Switzerland have the discipline. But in a knockout game of this magnitude, one mistake is all it takes. Eh! One wrong turn and you are on a flight home while the other team celebrates.
When is the Argentina v Switzerland kick-off?
The match kicks off at 8pm local time. Fans can catch the action as Argentina and Switzerland battle for a spot in the semi-finals against England.
Watch the Highlights
Source: The Guardian
