Argentina vs. Switzerland player ratings: Final grades for Lionel Messi, others in 2026 World Cup quarterfinal originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Argentina's late-game magic, and rub of the green, continued in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals as they got another last-gasp winner, this time from Julian Alvarez , to dispatch Switzerland by a 3-1 score in extra-time.
Up until the winning goal, the overarching narrative from the game was the decision by referee Joao Pinheiro to rescind a yellow card to Leandro Paredes on review, and instead book Breel Embolo for diving, his second caution which resulted in his dismissal.
That left Switzerland down a man for the final 18 minutes plus extra time, and while they heroically hung on for dear life with the scoreline level, they were undone by what may be the goal of the tournament, as Alvarez deposited a glorious curler in the 112th minute.
Prior to the Embolo red card, Switzerland had done extremely well to neutralize Argentina's traditional choke-hold, able to break up the defending champions' buildup in midfield and nullify their stranglehold on the match.
Alexis Mac Allister put Argentina up early in the game, depositing a header 10 minutes in off a Lionel Messi corner. Yet from there, Argentina were not able to play in the ascendancy, and Dan Ndoye deservingly equalized in the 67th minute to draw Switzerland level.
Yet Argentina once again were the recipients of a game-altering referee decision, and capitalized once again. After Alvarez's winner, Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory with a cherry on top in the 121st minute.
The Sporting News brings you a full list of player ratings for the match, analyzing both team's individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
LIVE: Follow Argentina vs. Switzerland updates from 2026 World Cup quarterfinal
Location:Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Referee: Joao Pinheiro (POR)
Argentina starting lineup:
4-4-2 diamond, right to left: 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. Molina ( Montiel , 85'), 13. Romero ( Otamendi , 106'), 6. Li. Martinez, 3. Tagliafico (N. Gonzalez, 78') — 5. Paredes (J.M. Lopez, 110') — 7. De Paul (La. Martinez, 85'), 20. Mac Allister — 24. E. Fernandez (Almada, 91') — 10. Messi, 9. Alvarez
Switzerland starting lineup:
4-2-3-1, right to left: 1. Kobel (GK) — 6. Zakaria (Jashari, 96'), 4. Elvedi, 5. Akanji , 13. R. Rodriguez (Comert, 91') — 8. Freuler (Vargas, 115'), 10. Xhaka — 15. Sow ( Muheim , 86'), 22. Rieder ( Widmer , 86'), 11. Ndoye (Amdouni, 86') — 7. Embolo (red card — 72')
All ratings are on a 10-point scale.
Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez — 6
Wasn't needed for the first half-hour, but came up big when he made a very nervy but very effective tackle of Breel Embolo in the first truly dangerous Switzerland move forward. Managed to make big stops on Dan Ndoye and Granit Xhaka in the 67th minute, but couldn't prevent Ndoye from equalizing shortly after on a shot from a tight angle he should have had covered.
His possessional distribution was quite poor, as Argentina looked to play long from the goalkeeper on most occasions. He hit on just one of his first 12 long balls, an extremely bad percentage. However, he did have one glittering moment as he delivered a satisfying side-punt that flew forward into the attacking half for Julian Alavrez to run on.
Right-back: Nahuel Molina — 7
Extremely active early on, both combining with Lionel Messi on the right and also counter-pressing when Messi was blanketed by defenders on the ball. It was a little sloppy at times, with Molina falling all over the place or overlapping Messi by running over the touchline, and he was a little overzealous on other occasions, but it largely worked.
That overzealous nature continued in the second half when he got a lovely through-ball from Messi and had Julian Alvarez wide open for a cross, but instead took a horrible long-distance shot and put it wide. Eventually hauled off late in regulation after emptying the tank.
Right Center-back: Cristian Romero — 8
While Lisandro Martinez handled the possessional responsibilities, Cristian Romero was a monster defensively, rejecting everything that Switzerland threw into the Argentina penalty area.
Romero was a defensive machine, winning aerial duels and tackles alike all over his own half of the field. Eventually brought off at the pause in extra time, having given everything to the cause.
Left center-back: Lisandro Martinez — 6
Exceptional on the ball per usual. Had a sensational flick in the 23rd minute to Cruyff turn around one Switzerland player before being fouled by another.
Made a horrible mistake on the half-hour mark by feeding Breel Embolo a chance on the counter, but it was sniffed out by Emi Martinez. Embolo began to grind "the Butcher" down as the half went on, and force more and more mistakes. Left a pass to Nicolas Tagliafico well short that resulted in a dangerous turnover in their own defensive third 55 minutes in.
Had a huge sliding block to prevent a wide-open shot from Dan Ndoye, where the flag went up at the end of it but was extremely close. Nearly found a winner on the other side of the field at the end of regulation, but his acrobatic scissor kick was well saved by Gregor Kobel.
Left-back: Nicolas Tagliafico — 6
Very little influence on the game as Argentina concentrated their buildup on the right, which was Lionel Messi's side. The veteran full-back may not be exceptional on the ball in possession, but he uses his body position very well to secure the space around the ball and win fouls, fouled a game-high four times through the 63rd minute.
After being battered for much of the game, he was hauled off late in regulation.
Defensive midfielder: Leandro Paredes — 6
An effective, if not convincing, presence in the middle of the pitch for Argentina to funnel possession through. Occasionally got up the field, with Enzo Fernandez struggling to get involved.
Defensively, however, he was a mess. Conceded a silly foul late in the first half by sliding in on Djibril Sow on the edge of the penalty area. Picked up a yellow card for what appeared to be a late trip of Breel Embolo, but in the end it was a clear dive by the Switzerland forward that resulted in a second yellow card.
Brought off late in extra time for Jose Manuel Lopez who would pick up the assist on Julian Alvarez's winner.
Central midfielder: Rodrigo De Paul — 5
Less than convincing in midfield. Got his pocket picked by Ndoye to start a very dangerous Switzerland counter-attack on the half-hour mark. He won the ground duels he managed to reach, but De Paul looked every bit of 32 years old, slow to 50/50 challenges and lacking in influence further up the field.
He was eventually brought off for an extra attacker when Argentina went a man up.
Central midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister — 8
Hardly a touch on the ball in the opening 10 minutes, but it didn't matter as he cropped up with a header off a corner for the opening goal. It was a beautiful effort, as he met the ball at the near post and delivered a pinpoint delivery inside the far side-netting.
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Mac Allister was the rover midfielder for Argentina in this match, able to get a number of touches on the ball further up the field, finishing the first half with three shots. He also managed to contribute some defensively, in a performance that Liverpool will be thrilled to see he still has in him after a tough last season at the club level.
Attacking midfielder: Enzo Fernandez — 4
Got stuck a little deep in possession through the first 20 minutes of the match, struggling to get on the ball further up the field. It's been like that for much of the tournament for Enzo, often bypassed by Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes, who are meant to be deeper.
A very poor first half that provided little in either phase of the game — zero defensive contributions, and zero touches in the attacking third.
By the time he was withdrawn to begin the additional period, his race was run.
Right forward: Lionel Messi — 8
Took about 10 minutes for Lionel Messi to get going, but once he got on the ball, he started to carve the Switzerland defense apart. Delivered the corner which Alexis Mac Allister put in the back of the net for the opening goal.
After the 20th minute, however, he began to fade again, and Argentina struggled to find him. Messi finished the first half with just 18 touches, but still managed to create three chances with that low volume.
Despite the lack of volume, which continued into the second half, Messi made the most of his involvement, with five chances created by the hour mark, and accurate on all three crosses. He started to cook once Switzerland went a man down, and it felt like the moment of magic had come in the 92nd minute when Messi cut back onto his right and delivered a curler seeking the inside of the far post, but it just missed with Kobel rooted to the spot.
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Very nearly scored the winner in the 112th minute, with his left-footed curler saved by Gregor Kobel, right before Julian Alvarez's stunner. It wasn't exactly a vintage Messi performance, but even when he doesn't shine, he is still highly effective with a lower volume of action points.
Left forward: Julian Alvarez — 8
Played as a roving forward with Messi more rigidly on the right. Got a little lost early on, as he often has been throughout this World Cup . Had a chance to make his mark in the 40th minute when a fortunate deflection saw a looping ball from Lionel Messi drop straight in Alvarez's lap, but he disappointingly couldn't control it.
He got going better in the second half, but still didn't provide much for the Albiceleste up front. But what can you say about the stunning winner? Julian Alvarez, he always gives you a chance. What a delightful goal, maybe goal of the tournament!
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78th min — Nico Gonzalez: 7
Came on for a battered Nicolas Tagliafico with 12 minutes to go in regulation. Was heavily involved after Switzerland went a man down, as he finished with the joint-most touches in the penalty area. A lot of that volume was just bashing their heads against a bunkered low block, but it was effective in keeping Switzerland pinned back.
85th min — Gonzalo Montiel: 4
Entered for a spent Nahuel Molina late in regulation. Didn't have nearly the effect that either Molina or Nico Gonzalez did, which is disappointing given he should have had more openings being on Messi's side.
85th min — Lautaro Martinez: 6
With Argentina up a man, Lautaro Martinez came on as an extra attacker to replace Rodrigo De Paul. Booked for a late and hopeless slide tackle on Manuel Akanji that looked borne out of frustration than anything else.
Did little until he sealed the game by depositing a rebound from a Thiago Almada shot. It was a solid finish. Also created a few low-value chances.
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91st min — Thiago Almada: 8
Came on for an ineffective Enzo Fernandez to begin extra time. Very nearly put Argentina in front in the 96th minute, but clipped the outside of the post with a shot that rippled the side netting.
Ran the counter-attack that resulted in Lautaro Martinez's final goal of the match. Overall a very bright attacking display off the bench.
106th min — Nicolas Otamendi: 8
Came on in extra time for Cristian Romero who was brilliant. Stepped right into Romero's shoes, somehow logging a massive seven defensive contributions while only playing 14 minutes while a man up.
110th min — Jose Manuel Lopez: 6
Entered with 10 minutes to go in extra time and had an eventful showing. Got the easiest assist of his career as he tapped the ball to Alvarez before the winning goal, and then was booked for getting in a shoving match with a few opponents.
Lionel Scaloni: 6
The team's lack of width and increased age in midfield is starting to become a real problem, and Lionel Scaloni hasn't really adjusted at all.
It's tough for the coach to do too much at this point, as Argentina are managing to win games and advance, so even despite the slim manner of the victories, it's hard to justify over-arching alterations. Yet it's clear that, as Argentina will be coming up against their most difficult opponent of the tournament by far in the semifinals, something has to change.
Argentina got away with another close shave, but it's getting tougher and tougher to justify keeping things the same over and over again.
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Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel — 6
Did not make a single save in the opening half, but had no way of preventing the opening goal. His distribution was solid, but all nine completed passes in the first half were short, missing with his only long delivery.
Made a very good save on Lionel Messi on 85 minutes, but the flag had gone up in the end. Made a strong save a few minutes later at the end of regulation on Lisandro Martinez's scissor kick.
Right-back: Denis Zakaria — 7
Zakaria has been one of Switzerland's best players at this World Cup, and he was excellent again in this match. It started early on, as the 29-year-old Monaco star, a natural midfielder deputizing at right-back, got high up the field early and often. He hit on his first 17 passes of the game, an impressive number for such an attack-minded full-back.
Got a necessary block in on a Julian Alvarez shot early in the second half. Eventually take off in extra-time with his team entirely bunkered in and needing more defensive solidity.
Right center-back: Nico Elvedi — 8
Extremely strong on and off the ball, able to disrupt Argentina's build-up before it got going with a slightly high line. Finished the first half with seven defensive contributions to lead the game, and also had five passes into the penalty area, a nod to his ability to influence the game in both directions.
He would finish with 11 clearances and 14 defensive contributions in total, even while pressing higher up the pitch on the ball. Also finished with eight passes into the penalty area. Just an exceptional performance from Elvedi, who had a wonderful World Cup overall.
Left center-back: Manuel Akanji — 6
Like Elvedi, Manuel Akanji was strong on the ball for Switzerland, but had much less defensive work to do. Was decent-to-good in possession, as he hit on five of his nine long ball attempts, but only four defensive contributions considering the game Switzerland endured is disappointing.
Left-back: Ricardo Rodriguez — 8
All over the left touchline in the game, completing 26-of-27 passes and winning three of his four ground duels in the first half, able to deliver diagonal balls into the middle with precision and effectiveness. He did well to neutralize Lionel Messi's effect out wide, forcing him into the middle of the pitch where the center-backs could step up and help out.
In the second half, it continued, as he combined wonderfully with Dan Ndoye to get his left winger going up front. He delivered a great assist to Ndoye on the equalizing goal, feeding a through-ball that unlocked the Argentina defense. Was surprisingly substituted to begin extra time, after a very good performance on both ends of the pitch.
Central midfielder: Rimo Freuler — 6
Freuler had most of the defensive responsibilities in midfield with Granit Xhaka focused on possession, and did ok, if a little scatterbrained. Completely wasted a dangerous free-kick late in the first half.
Central midfielder: Granit Xhaka — 7
Remained a possessional monster, as he still is at 33 years old. Central to everything Switzerland did throughout the match on the ball. He cropped up just about everywhere in the middle third, and completed 38 of his 39 first-half passes. Had a go from distance in the 66th minute that tested Emi Martinez but couldn't beat him in the end. Finished with 67-of-72 passing, and seven of eight from distance.
Provided nothing defensively, however, as those responsibilities fell mostly to Rimo Freuler.
Attacking midfielder: Fabian Rieder — 5
Played centrally in a more attacking role, and provided some danger early on, but was largely a passenger as Argentina cut off Switzerland's progression into the attacking third. Ended up pidgeon-holed on the left side of the field trying to find space, and had very little effect over there.
Wasted an early second-half free-kick by overhitting it right into the arms of Emi Martinez. Withdrawn for a more defensive-minded option as they looked to hang on through extra time.
Right wing: Djibril Sow — 6
Started in midfield with Johan Manzambi out injured. Was beat in the air on the opening goal by Alexis Mac Allister, which put his team in a hole early.
Upped his involvement in the second half, as he tried to link with Denis Zakaria, but the connection just wasn't quite there. Hooked late in regulation.
Center forward: Breel Embolo — 5
His pressing early was very good, as he refused to come out recklessly, but when he did break from his defensive shape to provide pressure, it was effective. Ran a counter-attack quite well on the half-hour mark, requiring a very good tackle from Emi Martinez to end the threat.
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Remained a handful as the first half went on, backing down Lisandro Martinez and playing well with his back to goal. Got a little too fired up late in the half when he was booked late in the first half for a late foul on Leandro Paredes — needs to keep a lid on things to keep from getting out of control.
Despite logging a strong performance, Embolo brainlessly dove to get Leandro Paredes booked, and VAR caught him red handed, earning his second yellow card and a dismissal upon review. Regardless of how harsh you believe this to be, it's absolutely the right decision to punish attempted simulation. Embolo's made a meal of things here, and made things extremely difficult for his team.
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Left wing: Daniel Ndoye — 7
Ndoye was effective when Switzerland managed to find him early on, but they needed more from the Nottingham Forest winger, as their best wide attacker in the lineup. Pinned to the left touchline as the first half went on, often occupying the same space Fabian Rieder which was a net negative.
As much as he was invisible in the first half, Ndoye was the spark plug that turned Switzerland around past the hour mark, starting to turn the screw in the attacking third. He delivered a great header in the 65th minute that very nearly beat Emi Martinez to the far post, and it would come good as he beat Martinez with a tight-angle shot shortly after to equalize.
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As his energy reserves faded, he was swapped out late in regulation.
86th min — Zeki Amdouni : 5
Came on late to replace the goal scorer Dan Ndoye. Conceded a potentially dangerous foul by blocking off Lionel Messi near the top of the penalty area, but the situation came to nothing.
Only 10 touches overall, which is understandable given their situation.
86th min —Miro Muheim: 4
Entered for Djibril Sow to give more defensive structure to the side after Breel Embolo was sent off. Glued to the touchline, and didn't provide a single defensive contribution.
86th min — Silvan Widmer: 7
Came on to replace Fabian Rieder to help kill the man-down extra time period. Gave his all for the cause, getting involved constantly both in his own penalty area and in transition.
96th min — Ardon Jashari : 4
Came on in extra-time to take over for Denis Zakaria who had a great game at right-back. Barely did anything outside of wasting a long-distance shot.
115th min — Ruben Vargas : N/A
Entered late in the game after Argentina took the lead. The game was gone by the time he entered.
Murat Yakin: 8
Switzerland had next to zero attacking threat against Colombia without Johan Manzambi, and early on in this game it looked as if it would be the same again here against Argentina. Yet as Switzerland stuck to their plan and grew into the game, they were able to take advantage of Argentina's mistakes in midfield and counter-attack with danger.
Yakin set up Breel Embolo to succeed before his dismissal, as he was excellent both holding up possession and vertically heading towards the Argentina net. Switzerland's ability to both sit on the ball and get out on the run when needed made them tough for Argentina to deal with, a credit to Yakin's organization. They just lacked end product.
