12/07/2026 21:21 - Deportes
The team managed by Lionel Scaloni once again showed their character and resilience by defeating Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The match, played on July 11, 2026, extended into extra time with goals from Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez.
According to the Argentine media outlet El Eco de Tandil, the extra time left several players completely exhausted. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes had to be substituted during the extra period due to physical fatigue, fortunately without serious injuries. The captain, Lionel Messi, also caused some concern after receiving a blow from Granit Xhaka to his right eye, but the discomfort subsided throughout the match without severity.
After the match in Kansas City, journalists were waiting for the players in the 'mixed zone' (the designated interview area where reporters gather post-match). However, as detailed by La Nación, Lionel Messi made an atypical gesture: walking briskly and visibly exhausted, he avoided the press for the first time, signaling that they are waiting for me on the team bus.
The 39-year-old from Rosario has always been characterized by his kindness with the media, but the accumulated toll of playing through two consecutive extra-time periods in the knockout stages was decisive. Despite avoiding statements at that moment, he later reflected on the upcoming historic rival:
It's special to face the big national teams. I've never played against England before; it's the first time. It's a special match. A World Cup semi-final.
Hours later, calmer and more reflective, Messi spoke out through his official Instagram account to the joy of millions of fans. He highlighted the winning mentality of the group that remains undefeated and among the top four teams in the world:
The coaching staff now has an absolute priority: physically recovering the players before the historic duel, taking advantage of the fact that England is also coming off an exhausting extra-time match against Norway.
The Argentine national team will face England on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 16:00 hs at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This will be the first time Messi faces the European side at the senior international level, in a match that promises to be historic.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
