Argentina continued its journey in the 2026 World Cup by qualifying for the semifinals, but this time Lionel Messi was not the winner of the Man of the Match award, as it went to his teammate Julián Álvarez after the thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland.

Álvarez won the Man of the Match award after playing a decisive role in leading his country to the last four, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 113th minute of extra time, before Lautaro Martínez added the third goal that confirmed the defending champions' qualification to the semifinals to face England.

This is only the second time that the award has not gone to Lionel Messi during Argentina's campaign in the 2026 World Cup, after the 'Albiceleste' captain had dominated the award in most of his country's matches.

Messi had won the Man of the Match award in four matches, against Algeria, Austria, Cape Verde, and Egypt, while the award in the match against Jordan went to Giovani Lo Celso, before Julián Álvarez snatched it in the Switzerland match, becoming only the third Argentine player to win the award during the tournament.

Álvarez's coronation came after a marathon match that witnessed great excitement, as Argentina took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister, before Dan Ndoye equalized for Switzerland, then striker Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute after receiving his second yellow card, a decision that sparked widespread controversy.

The Argentine team took advantage of the numerical superiority in extra time, with Álvarez deciding the match with a brilliant goal in the 113th minute, before Lautaro Martínez added the third goal in stoppage time, leading Argentina to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, where a highly anticipated clash against England awaits.

Read also: Shobeir on the sending off of the Swiss player: 'We hate Messi and football!'

A spectacular strike from Julián Álvarez returns the lead to Argentina #WorldCup2026

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) July 12, 2026