Lionel Messi’s right eye was still bloodied from a Granit Xhaka challenge when Argentina limped past Switzerland 3-1 after extra time – and now England await in what has been billed as one of the biggest grudge matches in international football history. The 39-year-old, probably playing his final World Cup, will face Thomas Tuchel’s side on Wednesday in Atlanta for a place in the final against France or Spain. It is the first competitive meeting between the two nations since David Beckham’s penalty decided the 2002 World Cup in Japan.
Beckham, now president and co-owner of Inter Miami, was in the crowd at Miami Stadium on Saturday night to watch England’s own extra-time escape against Norway. Jude Bellingham’s winner – his second goal of the game – sent England through 2-1, but the build-up to his equaliser was tinged with controversy. Replays appeared to show a Norway goal-kick hit an overhead television cable suspended above the pitch. Fifa released a statement saying a sensor in the ball showed no evidence it had touched, a claim Norway’s head coach, Ståle Solbakken, contested. “It created a misunderstanding among our players,” he said. Tuchel admitted his team were “lucky”, despite becoming only the fourth side to reach a World Cup semi-final.
“England to face Argentina in World Cup semi-final after both teams won extra-time quarter-finals amidst injury scares.”
Argentina’s path was no less fraught. Messi’s eye was treated during the game after Xhaka’s challenge and is expected to be fine, though it may swell. Tottenham defender Cuti Romero, who missed three months with an MCL injury suffered in April, was substituted at half-time of extra-time due to exhaustion. “I hadn’t played for more than three months. The heat and everything made it difficult,” Romero said. Leandro Paredes also failed to complete the match, but both are expected to recover. Julian Alvarez struck a stunning goal in the second half of extra time to bail Argentina out against 10-man Switzerland. “We truly don’t fully grasp everything we’ve been doing over the last 10 years,” Romero added. “We keep running, keep fighting until the very last minute.”
Messi himself reflected after the game: “It was important for us to take this step to have a more relaxed week before what’s coming. This group competes and never stops pushing. What they’re doing is extraordinary.” Meanwhile, Beckham watched England’s win from the stands with his wife Victoria, later posting on Instagram: “What a moment in Miami. I’m so proud of the team … Thank you England for giving our country these moments.” After celebrating, England’s players spent Sunday recuperating in Kansas City. Now they must prepare for an emotionally charged occasion in Atlanta against the reigning champions, with Messi’s bloodied eye and Romero’s tired legs serving as warnings.