Álvarez 112th-Minute Strike Sends Argentina Past Switzerland
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- Julián Álvarez scored his first goal of the 2026 World Cup in the 112th minute, a stunning long-range strike into the corner that broke the draw against Switzerland and sealed a 3-1 quarterfinal win, earning him Player of the Match.
- Argentina also got goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez, while Switzerland held Lionel Messi without a goal for the first time in the tournament — limiting the captain to one assist.
- Álvarez called the goal "a huge release of emotion," noting the team kept pushing despite playing with a man advantage and trusting the breakthrough would come.
- Argentina's win over Switzerland was their second extra-time knockout victory of this tournament (after Cape Verde), and their 13th all-time World Cup extra-time match — overtaking Germany (12) for the most in tournament history.
- Argentina advances to the 2026 World Cup semifinal against England in Atlanta, Georgia, with Álvarez calling the English side "impressive" and saying La Albiceleste must now "recuperate and prepare."
Why it matters: Argentina's narrow escape against a Switzerland side that neutralized Messi shows the defending champion remains beatable but keeps finding a way — their record 13th World Cup extra-time match underscores a tournament-long pattern of late drama. The semifinal against England pits the two favorites in a match that will decide one finalist.
