Argentina, the defending champion, led by legendary star Lionel Messi, faces Switzerland on Saturday morning in Kansas in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, with memories of a heated match played 12 years ago in Brazil, when Angel Di Maria's extra-time goal finally broke the European resistance, advancing Messi's team to the next round. Argentina, coached by Lionel Scaloni, began its quest to retain the World Cup title smoothly, seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win the tournament twice in a row. However, as they entered the knockout stages, some weaknesses began to appear after facing great difficulties against Cape Verde, making its first appearance in World Cup history, and then against Egypt. Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday during the group stage, is the inspiration for the Argentine team, as his genius has repeatedly rescued the team from difficult situations. The quarterfinal match at Arrowhead Stadium returns Messi to the place where he scored a hat-trick in Argentina's first match of the current edition, when they beat Algeria 3-0. The Inter Miami forward is tied with Frenchman Kylian Mbappé with eight goals in the Golden Boot race, and has become the all-time World Cup top scorer with 21 goals in his career, one goal ahead of the Spanish Real Madrid striker. However, the Swiss team, known for its organization under coach Murat Yakin and veteran captain Granit Xhaka, has a chance to exploit any signs of fatigue among the Argentines and upset them at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. If Argentina beats Switzerland, they will face England or Norway in the semifinals, while Spain will face France in the other semifinal in Dallas next Tuesday.