Messi calls England semifinal 'special' as Argentina advances

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City, setting up a historic clash against England.

Match against Switzerland

The match saw Argentina struggle to break down a disciplined Swiss side. After a tight first half, Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead early, but Switzerland equalized through Dan Ndoye. The Swiss then had Breel Embolo sent off for simulation after a VAR review, a decision their coach Murat Yakin called "inacceptable" Source: La Vanguardia. In extra time, goals from Julián Álvarez (a stunning long-range strike) and Lautaro Martínez sealed the win. Messi praised his teammates, saying he was "very happy" for the goalscorers Source: Clarín.

Upcoming semifinal against England

For Argentina, the semifinal will be their first meeting with England at a World Cup since 1986, and the first time Lionel Messi has ever faced England. "It's a special match because it's my first time," Messi said. "It's a great team, a power, and it's always nice to play against such teams. And it's a World Cup semifinal" Source: Clarín. The match carries historical and emotional weight, recalling the 1986 quarterfinal won by Argentina with two iconic goals from Diego Maradona Source: Infobae. "We're among the four best in the world again," Messi said, noting the team's accumulated fatigue Source: La Vanguardia.