Lionel Messi may not have found the net himself, but Argentina survived another nervy World Cup quarter-final to book their spot in the semi-finals, edging past a resilient 10-man Switzerland side 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City.

Contrary to the notion of a routine victory, the reigning champions were made to work hard for their place in the last four. Alexis Mac Allister headed Argentina in front inside the opening 10 minutes, rising to meet a Messi corner delivery, but a determined Swiss outfit refused to fold.

Switzerland pulled level in the second half through Dan Ndoye, who slotted the ball beneath Emiliano Martinez after being played through, forcing the tie into extra time despite being reduced to ten men following a second yellow card shown to Breel Embolo for simulation.

With the game locked at 1-1 deep into the additional 30 minutes, Julian Alvarez produced a moment of individual brilliance, curling a stunning effort into the top corner in the 112th minute to restore Argentina’s lead.

Lautaro Martinez then wrapped up the win in stoppage time, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box after Alvarez’s shot was parried, to make it 3-1 and settle any lingering nerves.

For Messi, it was a rare quiet night by his own extraordinary standards his assist for Mac Allister’s opener extended his World Cup assist record, but the night snapped his streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches.

Even so, the result keeps the 39-year-old superstar on course for two more chances to add to his career World Cup goals record, which currently stands at 20.

Argentina’s win, their third in this tournament to require extra time, sends them into a mouth-watering semi-final showdown against England, who also needed extra time to see off Norway on the same day. The two sides will meet on Wednesday in Atlanta, with the defending champions eyeing a place in the final as they chase a feat only managed by Brazil in 1958 and 1962: becoming the first side to retain the World Cup title.

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