Álvarez hits extra-time stunner to sink Switerland as Argentina progress

Julián Álvarez sent defending champion Argentina back to the World Cup semi-finals with a long-range strike in the 112th minute against Switzerland, while another goal by Lautaro Martínez with seconds left in extra time only served to make the 3-1 victory look a whole lot easier than it was Saturday night. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring from a corner helping La Albiceleste gut out another down-to-the-wire thriller and advance to play England on Wednesday in Atlanta.

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Argentina produce remarkable comeback to beat Egypt and reach last eight

Argentina survived another almighty scare before delivering a scarcely believable second-half comeback to break Egypt hearts and reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The reigning world champions – sent to extra time by Cape Verde in the last round – had looked set for a shock exit against the Pharaohs, who led 2-0 thanks to goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico. But Cristian Romero halved the deficit 11 minutes from time before Lionel Messi equalised five minutes later and set up a nail-biting finish.

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Record-breaking Messi helps Argentina past Austria into last 32

Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer when he netted both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in Group J in Dallas to confirm the holders’ place in the last 32. Messi took his total to 18 ⁠World Cup goals when he netted in the 38th and 95th minutes having earlier missed from the penalty spot as Argentina secured their second win to move on to six points.

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Magical Messi scores historic hat-trick as Argentina see off Algeria

Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals with a hat-trick as Argentina began their title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. Messi’s second took him level with Brazil great Ronaldo on 15 goals across his six World Cup appearances. He was denied in a one-on-one by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane and had a penalty appeal turned down before joining Germany’s Klose in a share of the record.

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Lionel Messi rules out playing at 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not play at the next World Cup – set to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026 – to Chinese media outlet Titan Sports. Messi finally got his hands on the only major piece of silverware that had alluded him in his illustrious career when leading his country all the way at Qatar 2022.

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