Argentine on course to become only the third team to retain the World Cup, and the last since 1962
Lionel Messi wants Argentina to enjoy their World Cup run because the success they have achieved so far should not be taken for granted.
Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City to reach the semi-finals, where they will face England. Switzerland had forced extra time despite playing with 10 men after Breel Embolo was sent off following a VAR review.
If Albiceleste win the tournament, they would become not only the first Argentine team to retain the World Cup, but also the first nation to achieve the feat since Brazil in 1962. In fact, only two teams have ever managed it, the other being Italy in 1934.
Messi said Argentina’s recent achievements had created expectations that overlooked how difficult it is to remain at the top of international football.
“It’s good that [Argentine] people are enjoying it as much as we are,” Messi said. “That’s how we live it.
“This group has got people used to doing things that aren’t normal: it’s not easy to come back from being world champions, winning everything we won, and then continue competing and remaining at that level, among the top four, playing in another semi-final, it’s not normal, that’s why we have to enjoy it so much.
“We don’t know if it will happen again – and if it will happen again, when. We went a long time without being world champions until the last time, so everything that comes next should be enjoyed and valued. We will try to rest, recover our strength and compete in the semifinal.”
#SelecciónMayor Ahí vamos. Una vez más 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/ra8wpaMDd5
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 13, 2026
Alexis Mac Allister put Argentina ahead before Dan Ndoye equalised in the second half. Julian Alvarez restored the lead in extra time and Lautaro Martinez added a third after Embolo’s dismissal changed the game.
Messi admitted Argentina struggled to control the game before Switzerland were reduced to 10 players.
“We know the difficulties of this World Cup, how it’s been going,” Messi said. “We expected a tough match. In the first half, even though we took the lead, they made it a hard game for us. They kept equalising, we couldn’t play our game, we couldn’t maintain possession for long periods. And without the ball, we sat too deep. Their red card completely changed the game, but it was still difficult.”
The victory set up Messi’s first senior international meeting with England. Argentina last faced England in the World Cup in 1986, when Diego Maradona performed the famous Hand of God.
“Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs England] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive,” Messi said. “But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.
“Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special. Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them.
“I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too. And we’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”
