Kansas City is set for a fireworks of a quarter-final when Argentina face Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi is chasing a place in the semi-finals – and another chapter in his incredible history.
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De Paul: “We hope it’s not over yet”
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul admits that the days of Messi’s international career are running out. After Argentina turned 0-2 into 3-2 against Egypt in the last eight – with Messi setting up Cristian Romero’s equaliser – he hopes the journey doesn’t end against Switzerland.
“Everything ends, but let’s hope it’s not over yet,” De Paul, who is also a teammate of Messi’s at Inter Miami, told Ole.
“We love him, and as you can see in this World Cup, we need him. He inspires us, He motivates us. It’s crazy what we’re going through.
“We suffered a lot [against Egypt], but we also enjoyed it enormously. There are so many emotions that it is not easy for one body and one mind to handle.
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Xhaka: “We have to push the limits”
Switzerland’s captain Granit Xhaka remembers well the meeting with Argentina in the 2014 World Cup – when Ángel Di María scored in the 118th minute. But revenge is not in mind.
“We know what Argentina is capable of,” admits the 33-year-old, who himself led Switzerland to a penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the last eight.
“Few people talk about our qualities, but we give the answers on the pitch. I like to dream – and sometimes dreams come true. But then we have to sweat and perform. We have to push ourselves beyond the limits.
Line-ups – expected eleven from Argentina
According to Argentina’s media Ole, national team manager Lionel Scaloni has indicated that he will not make changes to the starting line-up. In that case, this would mean:
Argentina (expected): Emiliano Martínez – Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico – Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández – Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Switzerland (expected): Gregor Kobel – Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez – Fabian Rieder, Remo Freuler, Ardon Jashari, Granit Xhaka – Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo.
Injuries and suspensions
Switzerland will have to do without Johan Manzambi, who had three goals and four assists in the World Cup before injuring his left knee against Colombia. Defender Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer are also out with muscle injuries.
On the other hand, Gonzalo Montiel (Argentina) has to watch out for a yellow card – one more, and he is out of a possible semi-final.
Historical statistics
- Argentina are unbeaten in 11 World Cup matches – the team’s longest streak ever.
- They have scored in 14 straight World Cup games, since the 0-3 loss to Croatia in 2018.
- With at least two goals in 11 consecutive games, Argentina equals Uruguay (1930-1954) for the longest multi-goal streak in World Cup history.
- Messi became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup finals against Egypt – but he missed a penalty in the same match, making him the only player in history not to score on two penalties in a World Cup.
- Messi’s eight goals in the 2026 edition are the most of anyone before the quarter-finals. Only Brazilian Ademir (9 in 1950) has scored more in a World Cup among South Americans.
Switzerland’s challenge
Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in seven attempts in all competitions. Only against Russia do they have a worse record without a win (12 games).
They are the only team at the 2026 World Cup to have never trailed in a game – but against South American teams, they have just one win in ten attempts (1-2 against Ecuador in 2014). They did beat Colombia on penalties in the last eight.
Breel Embolo is in brilliant form – he has been involved in 13 goals in his last 17 international matches (11 goals, 2 assists).
Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Switzerland
Switzerland is known for being tricky to break down. They have conceded more than one goal in just one of their last 16 games, and have only lost by more than one goal in one of their last 16 World Cup games. They are a nightmare for favorites.
But Argentina has Messi. And with eight goals in the tournament, an unbeaten streak and a team that seems to thrive in adversity – it’s hard to imagine anything other than a narrow Argentine victory.
Perhaps once again decided by a magician in blue and white.
