Source ESPN
KANSAS CITY — Lionel Messi has paid a glowing tribute to Argentina’s relentless drive, stating that his team has made a habit of achieving things that are “not normal” after the defending champions fought through another grueling extra-time battle to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
La Albiceleste secured their ticket to the final four on Saturday evening with a dramatic 3-1 victory over a resilient 10-man Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium. The win sets up a mouth-watering, historically charged semifinal clash against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Reflecting on the achievement—which marks Argentina’s third semifinal appearance in the last four editions of the World Cup—the 39-year-old captain expressed awe at his squad’s sustained hunger following their 2022 triumph in Qatar.
“This group never gets tired of making history, of always wanting more,” Messi said following the victory. “This group has got people used to things that aren’t normal. It’s not easy to come from being world champions, to have won everything we’ve won, and then keep competing, keep performing at the same level and be among the four best teams again.”
Digging Deep in Kansas City
The quarterfinal encounter was anything but straightforward for Lionel Scaloni’s men. Argentina took an early lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister deftly headed home a corner delivered by Messi. The assist marked Messi’s 10th in World Cup history, breaking yet another record as he surpassed Diego Maradona’s tournament tally.
However, a spirited Swiss side fought back, leveling the score in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye. Despite Switzerland being reduced to 10 men shortly after when Breel Embolo received a red card, the European side forced the match into extra time.
Argentina’s pedigree in knockout football ultimately shone through. In the 112th minute, Julián Álvarez broke the deadlock with a spectacular strike from outside the area, before Lautaro Martínez tapped in a late rebound to seal the 3-1 victory.
Taking to Instagram after the match, Messi reiterated the team’s mental fortitude:
“Once again we had to dig deep, but this team never stops believing. We are back among the top four in the world!!! Let’s go!!!”
A Historic Clash with the Three Lions Awaits
The victory sets the stage for a blockbuster semifinal against Thomas Tuchel’s England, who advanced after a tense extra-time victory of their own against Norway.
The upcoming fixture carries immense historical weight, instantly evoking memories of the legendary 1986 quarterfinal defined by Diego Maradona. Remarkably, despite his decades at the top of the sport, Wednesday’s match will mark the first time Lionel Messi has ever faced England in a senior international match.
“I’ve played against everyone except England, and it’s special because they’re a great team, a footballing powerhouse,” Messi admitted. “It’s always nice to play against a side like that, especially in a World Cup semi-final.”
With France and Spain competing on the other side of the bracket, Argentina stands just two wins away from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully retain the World Cup trophy.
