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Argentina Beats Switzerland 3-1 After Extra Time

7/12/2026

Summary

Messi Secures Victory

Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time at Kansas City Stadium.
Forward Lionel Messi crossed to midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, whose header made it 1-0 at the 10th minute.
Forward Dan Ndoye equalized at 66th minute after a one-two with midfielder Ricardo Rodríguez.
VAR sent Breel Embolo off for simulation, leaving Switzerland with ten men.
Forward Julián Álvarez (112') and forward Lautaro Martínez added goals to seal the 3-1 win.

Summary

Martínez Seals Win

Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive third goal, a rebound after Thiago Almada’s saved effort, to seal Argentina’s 3-1 win.
Coach Lionel Scaloni answered Switzerland’s extra-man advantage with bold attacking substitutions that added extra forwards to press the defence.
Argentina deliberately slowed the first half, using time-wasting tactics to protect their early lead.
Former Argentine captain Antonio Rattin died at 89 on the quarter-final day, prompting squad tributes.

Summary

Martínez Saves Early

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made a crucial early save by smothering Granit Xhaka’s attempt.
After halftime Switzerland surged, forcing Martínez to deny shots from Dan Ndoye and Xhaka.
Lionel Messi’s free-kick rattled the wall while many fans mistakenly thought Thiago Almada’s strike had crossed the line.
The overwhelmingly biased crowd’s reactions to near-goals suggested a home-field influence on perception of key moments.

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Messi Secures Victory

Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time at Kansas City Stadium.
Forward Lionel Messi crossed to midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, whose header made it 1-0 at the 10th minute.
Forward Dan Ndoye equalized at 66th minute after a one-two with midfielder Ricardo Rodríguez.
VAR sent Breel Embolo off for simulation, leaving Switzerland with ten men.
Forward Julián Álvarez (112') and forward Lautaro Martínez added goals to seal the 3-1 win.

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