The Argentina national team secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after defeating a very tough Switzerland side 3–1, in a match that went to extra time.

As against Cape Verde and Egypt, the Argentine side struggled more than they should have, but ultimately secured victory thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.

Three players who have all been nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ award.

However, beyond the result, the match against Switzerland provided the perfect backdrop for a new and historic record set by Lionel Andrés Messi. Yet another milestone for the captain at this World Cup.

The Argentine star did not have an outstanding match against Switzerland, but he made history once again and surpassed a record previously held by Diego Armando Maradona.

Lionel Messi’s new World Cup record

Thanks to the victory over Switzerland, Messi officially became the only Argentine footballer in history to reach three World Cup semi-finals (2014, 2022 and 2026).

The current Inter Miami player has featured in six World Cups during his career and, in half of them, has guided his national team to a place among the world’s top four. Incredible.

In fact, as well as Maradona, Messi has surpassed the likes of Ángel Di María, Jorge Burruchaga, Oscar Ruggeri, Julio Olarticoechea and Daniel Passarrella, who also have two World Cup semi-finals to their name with Argentina.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup record

  • 2006: Reached the quarter-finals (knocked out by Germany)

  • 2010: Reached the quarter-finals (knocked out by Germany)

  • 2014: Reached the final (defeated by Germany)

  • 2018: Reached the round of 16 (eliminated by France)

  • 2022: He was crowned world champion (victory over France)

  • 2026: Qualified for the semi-finals (will face England)

A World Cup for the history books

This tournament will go down in football history. The captain of the Argentina national team, aged 39, is putting in a performance worthy of an eight-time winner of the ‘Ballon d'Or’.

Throughout this tournament in the US, the star has already smashed incredible records, such as becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the World Cup on his own.

Furthermore, as if that weren’t enough, against Switzerland he provided yet another assist, bringing his tally to ten World Cup assists, and he is now also the all-time leading assist provider at the World Cup.

With this victory, Argentina has secured the chance to play two more matches in this World Cup; even if they do not reach the final, they are guaranteed to play in the third-place play-off.

That’s why there could well be more and more records from Messi right up until the final day of the 2026 World Cup. You can never say never with the ‘Albiceleste’s’ number 10.

Argentina are already among the world’s top four and await England in the semi-finals. The dream of a fourth star is more alive than ever…

How far will Messi and the Argentina national team go?

It remains to be seen...