<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/atletico-madrid-punish-10-man-barcelona-take-control-of-champions-league-tie-23624826" rel="nofollow">Julian Alvarez</a> scored a breathtaking goal as Argentina battled past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra-time on Saturday, setting up a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final against England.
Argentina fans were celebrating as early as the 10th minute when Lionel Messi set up Alexis Mac Allister&rsquo;s opener.
Switzerland levelled midway through the second half through Dan Ndoye, but minutes later disaster struck when Breel Embolo was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for simulation.
The match went to extra-time and Switzerland snuffed out wave after wave of attacks until Alvarez curled a breathtaking strike into the top corner in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez added gloss with a last-gasp third.
&ldquo;We had to suffer a lot, but we knew they were a physical team. We had many difficulties,&rdquo; said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
Messi hailed his team&rsquo;s resilience and fighting spirit after the defending champions survived a major scare. &ldquo;I feel very happy about the victory, a very hard-fought win. We knew it was going to be a very intense match,&rdquo; Messi said.
Celebrating the win on social media, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-lionel-messi-earns-praise-from-argentina-coach-lionel-scaloni-23637307" rel="nofollow">icon Lionel Messi</a> shared a series of photos from the hard-fought victory and emphasised the mental strength of the squad.
&ldquo;Once again, we had to suffer, but this team never stops believing&rdquo; Messi wrote on Instagram.
12 No. of World Cup matches Argentina are unbeaten in
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Lionel Messi’s men pushed to the limit before Julian Alvarez’s stunning extra-time curler helps defending champions beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 to book

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina are a hit as Swiss miss

FIFA World Cup 2026: Swiss coach slams ‘unacceptable’ red card

Lionel Messi’s men pushed to the limit before Julian Alvarez’s stunning extra-time curler helps defending champions beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 to book semi-final berth; coach Scaloni and skipper Messi admit their team had to suffer, but never stopped believing

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina are a hit as Swiss miss

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina are a hit as Swiss miss

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