Argentina secured a spot in the World Cup semifinals following a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in a quarterfinal match. Julian Alvarez proved decisive by scoring a long-range goal in the 112th minute, while Lautaro Martinez added a final goal with seconds remaining in extra time. Alexis Mac Allister also contributed a goal from a Lionel Messi corner kick setup.
The contest proved competitive through much of regulation, with Argentina needing extra time to secure the win. Messi’s involvement in the offensive setup demonstrated the Argentine captain’s continued importance to the team’s World Cup campaign, though his personal nine-game scoring streak in the tournament ended during the match.
A controversial refereeing decision in the second half significantly influenced the contest’s outcome. When Switzerland tied the match through Dan Ndoye’s goal in the 67th minute, Argentina’s Leandro Paredes received a yellow card for a tackle that video evidence indicated did not make contact with opponent Breel Embolo before he fell. Using the “mistaken identity” protocol, Embolo was instead shown his second yellow and sent off, leaving Switzerland to defend with ten players for the remainder of the match.
Argentina will face England in the semifinals scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta. England earned its semifinal berth after defeating Norway 2-1 earlier.