Lionel Messi calls Argentina's World Cup success 'not normal' after semifinal victory over Switzerland

Lionel Messi expressed that Argentina's impressive journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is "not normal" following their 3-1 victory against Switzerland on Saturday. This win secured Argentina a spot in the semifinals, where they will face England on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Argentina's Road to the Semifinals

Argentina, the reigning world champions, overcame a tough challenge from a 10-man Swiss team in the quarterfinals. After initially taking the lead with a goal from Alexis Mac Allister, they faced a setback when Dan Ndoye equalized in the 67th minute. However, the match turned decisively when Swiss player Breel Embolo received a controversial red card for diving, allowing Argentina to regain control and secure their victory in extra time.

Messi shared his thoughts on the match, stating, "We expected a tough match. In the first half, even though we took the lead, they made it a hard game for us. Their red card completely changed the game, but it was still difficult."

Facing England: A Historic Rivalry

Argentina's upcoming semifinal against England holds significant historical weight, particularly recalling their famous clash in the 1986 World Cup. Messi remarked, "Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive."

This encounter is special for Messi, as it marks the first time he will play against England. He acknowledged the significance of the match, stating, "Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special."

Messi's Reflections on Argentina's Performance

Reflecting on Argentina's overall performance in the tournament, Messi noted, "This group has got people used to doing things that aren't normal: it's not easy to come back from being world champions, winning everything we won, and then continue competing and remaining at that level, among the top four." He emphasized the importance of enjoying their success and the uncertainty of future victories.

As the team prepares for the semifinal, Messi highlighted their goal of competing at their best. He stated, "We will try to rest, recover our strength and compete in the semifinal." Argentina's journey continues as they aim for a second consecutive World Cup title.