Lionel Messi failed to score for the first time in 10 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, but the Argentina captain still played a key role in his team’s 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday.Messi’s nine-match scoring streak came to an end, but he provided the assist for Argentina’s opening goal as the defending champions booked their place in the semifinals. Argentina will now face England in the last four.

Messi magic

Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister. The move started with Messi, who won a corner after some clever footwork on the left side. The Inter Miami star then delivered a perfect cross into the box, where Mac Allister headed home to make it 1-0.Switzerland fought back in the second half, with Dan Ndoye scoring the equaliser in the 67th minute to force extra time.Julian Alvarez restored Argentina’s lead with a brilliant long-range strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez sealed a 3-1 victory with a goal in the closing seconds.

Switzerland managed to stop Messi from scoring

Before the match, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin was asked how his team planned to stop Messi, who had scored in each of his previous nine World Cup matches.Yakin replied with a smile: “This is a very surprising question. There are many solutions, and we will try to find the best solution. We can talk a lot about it, but in the end it has to really translate onto the pitch, and we do have our solutions.”Switzerland succeeded in keeping Messi off the scoresheet, but they could not stop him from influencing the game with his passing and creativity.

Scaloni praises Messi

Messi has enjoyed another memorable World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals before the Switzerland game and helping Argentina reach the semifinals.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni once again praised his captain after the victory.“He’s like a machine. Those that are not so much acquainted with him might be surprised, and at 39 years of age some people might think he will not rise to the challenge.”Scaloni added: “But I’ve said this before, as long as he wants to be the best — and I’m not saying this because I’m coaching him — but because if he wants to continue, he will continue to be the best.”Although Messi’s remarkable scoring streak ended, his assist ensured he once again played a decisive role as Argentina moved one step closer to defending their FIFA World Cup title.