Argentina secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the early hours of Saturday at Kansas City. While the result was celebrated nationwide, the match held particular significance for Serie A fans, as Lautaro Martínez’s decisive contributions directly impacted several Italian-based players.

The game began with intensity, as Julián Álvarez opened the scoring with a towering header from a Lionel Messi corner in the 10th minute. However, Switzerland equalized in the 68th minute through Ndoye, following a contentious decision that saw Switzerland temporarily play with a man advantage after Embolo was controversially booked for simulation. Despite their numerical superiority, Argentina struggled to break through in regulation time.

The deadlock was finally broken in extra time when Messi found Álvarez in a brilliant 112th-minute strike, his first goal of the match. The floodgates opened when Lautaro Martínez, introduced in the 85th minute, completed a swift counterattack to seal the victory in the 121st minute, capping a 3-1 triumph.

The evening, however, was not without controversy. A heated exchange erupted between Messi and Portuguese referee Pinheiro after a rough challenge in the first half. The Inter Miami superstar confronted the official, demanding respect with the words: “Speak to me properly, don’t disrespect me.” Despite the tension, Messi’s playmaking brilliance shone through as he delivered the crucial assist for Argentina’s opener, further cementing his status as the all-time top assist provider in World Cup history.

La Albiceleste now face England in the semifinals on July 15 in Atlanta, a rematch 40 years in the making since the infamous “Hand of God” incident.