Messi must keep defying Father Time, as clock ticks down to Switzerland clash

KANSAS CITY — Lionel Messi has scored in every World Cup match so far, but after two grueling knockout ties, will age finally catch up with the 39-year-old in the quarterfinal against Switzerland?

Lionel Scaloni's team sailed through the group stage, but has been pushed to the limit by Cape Verde and Egypt.

It needed extra time to squeeze past the World Cup newcomers in the round of 32, before winning 3-2, and then came back from the dead against Mohamed Salah's battling Pharaohs side.

The defending champion has won all five of its games, with Messi's brilliance and an unshakable team spirit central to its progress.

Messi made up for a missed penalty against Egypt with a wonderfully composed finish, as Argentina rallied from two goals down in the closing minutes.

He broke down in a rare show of emotion at the end of the pulsating 3-2 win in Atlanta, saying he was desperate for his World Cup journey to continue.

Messi admitted he was tired after playing 120 minutes against Cape Verde, but he featured for the whole game against Egypt and remains indispensable to his team.

Saturday's quarterfinal at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City will take him back to the scene of his historic hat-trick in Argentina's first match of the 2026 tournament.

He has continued his scoring run, taking his tally to eight — level with Golden Boot rival Kylian Mbappe.

He has also become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, with 21 to his name.

Aside from the diminutive genius, Argentina's most potent weapon is its remarkable sense of camaraderie.

The South Americans are now unbeaten in 11 World Cup games, as they seek to become the first country since Brazil to win back-to-back World Cups.

"Whatever happens from here on, this team gives me the feeling that it never stops believing, even when everything is going against it," said Scaloni.

That sentiment is echoed by midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who said the side "never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity".

Next, though, Argentina faces a tough test against an industrious and well-drilled Switzerland team.

The Swiss, led by their influential captain Granit Xhaka, are one win away from reaching their first-ever World Cup semifinal.

Murat Yakin's men eased past Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32, before having to hold their nerve to beat a strong Colombia team on penalties on July 7.

Attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi was outstanding during the group stage, adding thrust to a team of experienced campaigners and scoring three times.

Unfortunately, he was forced to sit out the match against Colombia with an injury, and remains a doubt for Saturday's clash with Argentina.

Xhaka, 33, said Switzerland had waited a long time to find such a potent mix of experience and youth.

"I think this generation we have now is a special one," the Sunderland midfielder said.

"From the coaching staff to the last player, we can all be proud of what we've achieved."

The winner of the match in Kansas City will face either Norway or England, which will meet in Miami in Saturday's other quarterfinal.

AFP