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Argentina are chasing FIFA World Cup history as they prepare to face England in the 2026 semi-finals on July 15.
Lionel Scaloni’s team survived a few scares to edge out a 3-1 extra time win over Switzerland as England beat Norway 2-1 in their own quarterfinal.
Victory over the Swiss means Argentina are through to a third semi from the last four World Cups on the back of lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
That was a first world title since 1986 for La Albiceleste and it ended Lionel Messi’s career-long wait to win a World Cup with his country. If thy retain the trophy this month, Argentina will become just the third nation to ever do so, alongside Italy and Brazil.
Messi has been the driving force in Argentina’s march to the final four this time around, and strike partner Julian Alvarez – who netted a wonder goal against Switzerland – claimed the squad are fighting for Messi to win again.
“I felt a lot of relief after my goal. We fought to the end, and things got complicated, even though we were playing with a numerical advantage.
“We will do everything we can to make sure Messi wins the World Cup again. Every game at this World Cup is a battle for him. The first thing I did when I scored the goal was run over to hug him.”
Alvarez finally looks to have forced his way into Scaloni’s starting XI at this World Cup, with the holders naming an unchanged team from their last 16 win over Egypt against Switzerland, and that could remain in place against England.
