Messi and Argentina set up World Cup semi-final showdown with England | OneFootball

Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in the World Cup, meaning they will face England in the semi-final and for the first time in Lionel Messi’s career.

As always Messi was instrumental in the victory, although VAR also played a prominent role once again. Still, it was Julian Alvarez who was the match winner with a wonder strike in the second-half of extra time.

Switzerland started the better of the two sides. However, the 69,000-strong crowd (ignoring visible empty seats), were almost exclusively supporting the South Americans, and they were soon lifted by Argentina’s captain. Messi worked his magic to create an opportunity for a team-mate, resulting in a corner. Moments later Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to head home from the corner, which was, of course, delivered by Messi.

Despite taking the lead within the opening ten minutes, Lionel Scaloni’s side flattered to deceive from that point onwards. The Swiss had the lion’s share of possession and looked the more threatening team going forward. There were plenty of signs to offer encouragement to Thomas Tuchel and England – if they were not too busy celebrating their own victory in Miami to watch their upcoming opponents.

Eventually the pockets of Swiss fans that were in attendance finally made themselves known. Breel Embolo, Djibril Sow and Granit Xhaka had all been denied by Emi Martinez, before Dan Ndoye wrapped the ball into the bottom corner to level. It was an equaliser that was more than deserved, with just over 20 minutes remaining to play.

Argentina were once again on a collision course with late drama, and the tension was palpable inside the stadium. However, they were given a huge boost just moments after the score had been levelled.

VAR intervened to make a huge call. Embolo, who had already been booked, was shown a second yellow card for simulation inside his own half, with the VAR citing ‘mistaken identity’. It left the Swiss absolutely furious with the decision, just as the Egyptians had been when they felt they had a goal unfairly chalked off during their defeat to Argentina in the previous round.

Nevertheless, the decision stood and, with the man advantage, Argentina immediately went on the attack. Mac Allister had a golden opportunity to double his tally in the dying minutes of the 90 minutes, but headed wide and we were heading for extra time.

The end result felt like a foregone conclusion once we entered the additional 30 minutes. The Swiss battled on but Argentina’s siege eventually prevailed. Alvarez curled spectacularly into the top corner from range – a crucial moment to net his first goal of the tournament. Lautaro Martinez went on to add a third in the dying minutes and a blockbuster semi-final was set up.

It means Tuchel’s England will take on Argentina in Atlanta next Wednesday, with the chance to reach the World Cup final. It will be their first meeting in over 20 years, and the first time Messi takes on the Three Lions.