Switzerland Plans Messi Containment for 2026 Quarterfinal as Argentina Star Arrives With 8 Goals
Updated
Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 10
Switzerland Plans Messi Containment for 2026 Quarterfinal as Argentina Star Arrives With 8 Goals
3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 10
Summary
Kansas City hosts Saturday’s quarterfinal with Switzerland framing its task as containing Lionel Messi rather than stopping him outright after the 39-year-old scored eight goals in five World Cup matches.
Murat Yakin said his side must function as a unit, press high and keep possession, while captain Granit Xhaka called for a compact shape that closes gaps and limits Messi’s space on the ball.
Switzerland enters unbeaten, with four wins and one draw, after surviving Colombia on penalties and chasing its first World Cup semifinal after a 72-year quarterfinal drought.
Argentina has needed late drama to advance, rallying past Egypt 3-2 after Messi missed a penalty, then assisted and scored before Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner.