"Vamos Argentina...": Argentina President expresses joy after Messi-led side enters FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final
Buenos Aires, July 12
Argentina President Javier Milei celebrated the national team's dramatic victory over Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, expressing his delight after the defending champions booked their place in the last four.
Soon after Argentina secured a 3-1 extra-time win in Kansas City, Milei shared a post on X and hailed Lionel Scaloni's side by tweeting, "VAMOS ARGENTINA CARAJO...!!!"
The victory sent Argentina into a blockbuster semi-final against England as La Albiceleste moved two wins away from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
Argentina made an impressive start and took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister met Lionel Messi's corner with a well-directed header that beat Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Switzerland gradually worked their way back into the contest and levelled in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who finished clinically after combining with Ricardo Rodriguez. The European side's momentum, however, was interrupted five minutes later when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.
Despite the numerical advantage, Argentina were unable to find a breakthrough in normal time as Messi and Lautaro Martinez were both denied by Kobel, forcing the contest into extra time.
The defending champions eventually found the decisive moment in the 112th minute through Julian Alvarez. Cutting in from the left, the forward unleashed a spectacular strike from around 25 yards into the top corner to put Argentina back in front.
Switzerland threw players forward in search of another equaliser, but Lautaro Martinez sealed the result in the closing stages by converting from close range after Kobel had made an initial save.
The victory continued Argentina's remarkable run in the knockout stages after earlier surviving stern tests against Cabo Verde and Egypt. It also secured a sixth semi-final appearance in their last six major international tournaments.
Led by Lionel Messi and guided by head coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina will now turn their attention to a mouthwatering semi-final clash against England, with a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at stake.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel Switzerland were robbed a bit. That red card changed everything. A 10-man team holding Argentina to extra time is no small feat. But credit to Scaloni's men for finding a way. As an Indian football fan, I love watching Messi still doing his magic at this age. Just wish we could see a team like this in blue someday! 😄
I'm originally from India but now living in Canada, and this World Cup has been incredible. Argentina vs England in the semis - that's a legacy match! Both teams have been impressive. Scaloni has built such a balanced side. Not just relying on Messi anymore, which is scary for opponents. Can't wait! 🇮🇳⚽
Argentina's consistency in knockout stages is unreal - sixth semi-final in six major tournaments! That's the mark of a true champion team. But I do think they need to be more clinical in front of goal. Kobel had a great game for Switzerland, but Messi and Lautaro should have finished it earlier. England will punish any mistakes. 🇦🇷
Vamos Argentina indeed! 🇦🇷 But I have to say, the President of Argentina tweeting like a fan is kind of cute and funny. It's nice to see leaders showing genuine emotion for sports. Reminds me of how we celebrate cricket wins in India. Anyway, Messi vs England... this is going to be a proper clash of titans. Hope it's Messi's last dance with a trophy! 🙏
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