FIFA WC: 'This team never stops believing,' says Messi after Argentina reach the semi-final
Kansas City, July 12
Argentina's legendary footballer Lionel Messi hailed his team's resilience and fighting spirit after the defending champions survived a major scare against Switzerland to book their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final for the second consecutive time.
FIFA World Cup leading goal scorer Messi could not make an impact with a goal in the match; however, he stayed till the last whistle and motivated the team as Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck in extra time to help Argentina beat a 10-man Switzerland by 3-1.
"I feel very happy about the victory, a very hard-fought win. We knew it was going to be a very intense match. It was important for us to take this step to have a more relaxed week before what's coming," Messi said after the match, according to Goal.com.
Argentina netted in their 15th successive World Cup game. The only teams with longer scoring streaks in the competition are Uruguay (16 games from 1930-1962), Hungary (17 games from 1934-1962), Germany (18 games from 1986-1998), Germany (18 games from 1934-1958) and Brazil (18 games from 1930-1958).
Celebrating the win on social media, Messi shared a series of photos from the hard-fought victory and emphasised the mental strength of the squad.
"Once again we had to suffer, but this team never stops believing. We are once again among the four best in the world!!! Let's go!!!" Messi wrote on Instagram.
Lionel Scaloni's side will now face fierce rivals England in the second semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday as they look to book their place in the final for the second consecutive time and give themselves a strong chance to defend their title and script history, becoming the first team to defend their title in FIFA WC history after Brazil in 1962.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"This team never stops believing" -- that's exactly why Argentina is defending champions! Even without scoring, Messi's presence motivates the entire squad. Julian Alvarez is being a superstar! India should host a World Cup soon, we have the passion and the crowd for it! 🏆
Honest opinion: Argentina got lucky against a 10-man Switzerland. They struggled to break them down for 90 minutes and needed extra time. Yes, they showed grit, but they were far from convincing. England will punish this defense if they play like that again. Messi has to step up and score.
Argentina's scoring streak is mind-blowing! 15 successive World Cup games with goals -- that's like watching a Bollywood blockbuster where you know the hero will deliver! 🎬🔥 Messi's Instagram post is pure class. Hope they break Brazil's record! Desh ka vaasta, jeeto final! 🇮🇳⚽
I'm a Messi fan since his Barcelona days, and I love how he's now the elder statesman guiding the team. But let's be real -- Argentina's defense looked shaky at times. Switzerland nearly scored twice on counters. England's pace will be a real test. Still, believe in Messi magic! 🙌
"This team never stops believing" -- this line resonates with all of us who follow sports in India. We Indians know what it means to back a team through thick and thin. Argentina's spirit reminds me of our cricket team's 1983 World Cup win. Go all the way, Messi!
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