KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The 2024 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash between Argentina and Switzerland delivered another iconic early moment from soccer legend Lionel Messi, who helped the defending champions grab a critical 1-0 halftime lead on Saturday night. A perfectly placed corner kick from Messi found the head of teammate Alexis Mac Allister in the 10th minute, putting the tournament favorites ahead before most fans had even settled into their seats at Arrowhead Stadium.
Coming into the match, Switzerland’s defensive organization had been one of the biggest stories of the tournament. The Swiss side had given up just three goals across their first five matches, and they looked set to continue that form when they controlled possession in the opening minutes of the contest. But Messi, whose career has been defined by game-changing moments on the world’s biggest stage, turned the tide in an instant. After helping force the corner, he stepped up to take the set piece and delivered a cross that cut through the Swiss penalty area perfectly for Mac Allister’s finish.
The early goal holds multiple notable layers for both sides. It marks the earliest goal Argentina has scored throughout this entire World Cup run, and it is the first time Switzerland has found itself trailing in any match this tournament. For Argentina, the early strike also lifted a tangible weight off the squad heading into the rest of the match. The defending champions have navigated a rocky knockout stage so far: they only narrowly defeated Cape Verde in extra time to open the elimination round, and just days earlier, they needed a dramatic late comeback – three goals in 11 minutes – to erase a 2-0 deficit and defeat Egypt.
Argentina, a three-time World Cup winner that currently holds the tournament title, is chasing history in this year’s competition. A win against Switzerland would see them advance to the semifinal, putting them one step closer to becoming the first men’s national team to successfully defend a World Cup crown since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1962. Waiting for the winner of the quarterfinal is England, who secured a 2-1 win over Norway earlier the same day to book their semifinal spot. The upcoming semifinal is scheduled to take place Wednesday in Atlanta.