Argentina secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the early hours of Saturday in Kansas City. The triumph carried special significance for Serie A fans, as Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez played a pivotal role in eliminating three Italian league players from the tournament.

The match itself was far from smooth sailing for the South American side. Alejandro Mac Allister headed in the opening goal from a Lionel Messi corner in the 10th minute, but Switzerland clawed back through Ndoye in the 68th minute. The dismissal of Swiss forward Breel Embolo—who controversially tried to have teammate Manuel Paredes sanctioned for simulation—shifted the momentum. Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to break down the Swiss defense in regulation time.

It was in extra time that the game truly turned. Julián Álvarez broke the deadlock with a stunning right-footed strike in the 112th minute, just eight minutes after coming on. Lautaro Martínez, introduced in the 85th minute, sealed the win with a clinical counterattack finish in the 121st minute, capping the match at 3-1.

The night also featured a heated exchange between Messi and the Portuguese referee, João Pinheiro. Frustrated by a rough challenge in the first half, the Inter Miami star snapped back at the official: ‘Talk to me properly, don’t disrespect me.’ Messi, who set up the first goal, also extended his World Cup assist record, becoming the tournament’s all-time top playmaker.

Argentina now face England in the semifinals on July 15 in Atlanta—a rematch 40 years in the making since the infamous ‘Hand of God’ incident.