“This team never stops believing”: Messi hails Argentina after FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final berth
Posting on Instagram after Argentina’s 3-1 overtime victory in Kansas City, Messi shared photos from the match with the following caption: “We had to dig deep once again, but this team never stops believing. We are back among the top four in the world!!! Come on!!!!”
Argentina overcame a spirited challenge from Switzerland to earn a place in the last four and will face England in a blockbuster semi-final.
Lionel Scaloni’s side made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute with a goal from Alexis Mac Allister, who headed Messi’s corner into the far corner. Switzerland responded strongly in the second half and Dan Ndoye regained parity in the 67th minute after combining with Ricardo Rodriguez.
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The contest swung in Argentina’s favor after Breel Embolo was sent off for the second bookable offence, but Switzerland remained determined until extra time. Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock in the 112th minute with a superb shot from outside the penalty area, and Lautaro Martinez secured the victory with a late rebound.
Messi once again played a decisive role by assisting Mac Allister’s opening goal. This pass was his 10th assist in FIFA World Cup history, extending his record for most assists in the tournament since 1966. His 10 World Cup assists have now been given to 10 different team-mates, taking him two points ahead of Diego Maradona’s tally of eight. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also reached 10 goals in the ongoing tournament, the second time in his career that he has achieved this feat in a single FIFA World Cup. 2022 edition. He is one of only two players, along with France’s Kylian Mbappe, to have contributed 10 or more goals in multiple World Cups since 1966.
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Argentina’s victory took them into the World Cup semi-finals for the third time in the last four tournaments; He reached the final four in 2014 and lifted the cup in 2022. It was also the South Americans’ 11th win in 13 World Cup matches going into extra time, highlighting their roots in knockout football.
The reigning champions will now face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, continuing their bid to become the first nation to successfully defend their World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.
