Messi and Argentina face Switzerland after two draining knockout wins

KANSAS CITY: Lionel Messi has scored in each of Argentina's matches at this World Cup, but the defending champions head into Saturday's quarter-final against Switzerland after being taken to the brink in their last two knockout games.

Lionel Scaloni's side came through the group phase comfortably, yet they needed extra time to edge past World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the last 32 before beating Egypt 3-2. Against Mohamed Salah's team, Argentina recovered from two goals down late in the game, with Messi responding to a missed penalty by scoring as the team mounted its comeback in Atlanta.

After that win, Messi showed visible emotion and said he was determined to keep Argentina's campaign alive.

"It was a moment of pure happiness and relief."

the Inter Miami forward said.

We wanted to stay in the tournament. We didn't want today to be the end, we didn't want to go home.

Messi had said he was tired after playing 120 minutes against Cape Verde, but he still completed the full match against Egypt and remains central to Argentina's hopes.

Messi's scoring run and Argentina's unbeaten stretch

The 39-year-old will return at Arrowhead Stadium to the venue where he scored a hat-trick in Argentina's opening match of the 2026 tournament. His total at this World Cup has reached eight goals, putting him level with Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot. Messi has become the leading scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals across his career.

Argentina have won all five of their matches in the competition so far, with Messi's influence and the side's cohesion underpinning that run. The South Americans are now unbeaten in 11 World Cup matches as they try to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy.

Scaloni praised his players' resilience after the comeback against Egypt.

Whatever happens from here on, this team gives me the feeling that it never stops believing, even when everything is going against it.

he said.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez expressed a similar view, saying the side never gives up regardless of adversity.

Questions over officiating and the Swiss challenge

Argentina's progress has also been accompanied by accusations that the team has benefited from favourable treatment. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said the refereeing team in the last-16 match may have faced external pressure to favour Argentina, an allegation rejected by FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina.

Switzerland now stand between Argentina and a semi-final place. Murat Yakin's side beat Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32 and then overcame Colombia on penalties to move into the last eight. Led by captain Granit Xhaka, the Swiss are one victory away from reaching a World Cup semi-final for the first time.

Attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi impressed during the group stage and scored three times, giving added drive to a squad built around experienced players. However, he missed the Colombia match through injury and remains a doubt for the game against Argentina.

Xhaka, 33, said the current Swiss side had developed an important balance between youth and experience.

"I think this generation we have now is a special one."

the Sunderland midfielder said.

Of course, we try to pass on our experience, but above all the mentality that, even as a small nation, anything is possible at this level, in elite football.

Xhaka added.

From the coaching staff to the last player, we can all be proud of what we've achieved.

The winners of the quarter-final in Kansas City will meet either Norway or England, who also play on Saturday in Miami.