Messi Chasing More History as Argentina Face Switzerland in World Cup Quarter-final

Defending champions Argentina will face Switzerland in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

The winner of the encounter will advance to face either England or Norway in the last four, but both teams arrive with historic ambitions and several major milestones within reach.

For Argentina captain Lionel Messi, the match represents another opportunity to add to an extraordinary World Cup legacy. The veteran forward has scored in all five of Argentina’s matches at the 2026 tournament and has found the net in nine consecutive World Cup appearances dating back to the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Messi’s latest goal, scored in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt, saw him equal Guillermo Stabile’s record of eight goals for Argentina at a single World Cup, a mark that had stood since the inaugural tournament in 1930.

Another goal against Switzerland would make Messi Argentina’s outright leading scorer at a single World Cup and would also see him match Brazil legend Ademir’s South American record of nine goals in one tournament.

A brace would take him to 10 World Cup goals in a single edition, a feat last achieved by Germany’s Gerd Müller in 1970.

Argentina enter the quarter-final with significant momentum, having won their last 12 matches in all competitions, including five victories at this World Cup.

They are also unbeaten in their last 11 World Cup games since their surprise defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2022 tournament.

The defending champions are also chasing another scoring record. Argentina have scored at least two goals in 11 consecutive World Cup matches, matching Uruguay’s historic record. Another two-goal performance against Switzerland would establish a new tournament record.