Messi clashes with referee as Argentina crushes Serie A hopes in World Cup thriller

The Argentina national team secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Switzerland in a late-night showdown in Kansas City. The triumph carries extra significance for Serie A fans, as Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez played a pivotal role in eliminating several Italian league players from the tournament.

From a purely sporting perspective, this wasn’t Argentina’s smoothest performance. Mac Allister put them ahead with a header from Messi’s corner just ten minutes in, but Switzerland clawed level through Ndoye in the 68th minute. The dismissal of Swiss striker Embolo—who had attempted to draw a foul on Paredes—shifted the match’s momentum. Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to break down a resilient Swiss defense in regulation time.

The deadlock was finally broken in extra time when Julián Álvarez unleashed a stunning right-footed volley in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martínez, introduced with five minutes left in regulation, sealed the win with a clinical counterattack finish in the 121st minute, capping the score at 3-1.

A heated confrontation between Lionel Messi and the Portuguese referee Pinheiro stole the headlines during the first half. After receiving rough treatment from the official, the Inter Miami starlet fired back: “Talk to me properly—don’t disrespect me.” Despite the tension, Messi still orchestrated the play that led to Argentina’s opener, further cementing his status as the World Cup’s all-time leading assist provider.

Argentina now faces England in the semifinals on July 15 in Atlanta, a rematch four decades after the infamous “Hand of God” incident.