The report says Messi has scored eight goals, his best return in a single World Cup, and has found the net in nine consecutive World Cup matches. At 39, the captain’s influence is extending beyond goals: he remains the focal point of Argentina’s attack and the player opponents must contain.
Argentina’s scoring record has also underlined the team’s attacking strength. The report puts the champions on 14 goals, level with France for the tournament’s best total. That output has provided a platform for a campaign that has become more demanding in the knockout rounds.
The early stages reportedly brought victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan, including a 3-0 opening win and a 2-0 success against Austria. The knockout phase has tested Argentina more severely.
The report says they overcame Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, before recovering from 2-0 down against Egypt in the last 16. Cristian Romero and Messi reportedly levelled the tie, with Enzo Fernández scoring a late header to complete another 3-2 victory.
That pattern matters. Argentina’s perfect record has been built not only on control but also on resilience when matches have become unstable.
The quarter-final falls just after Independence Day, which commemorates Argentina’s declaration of independence in 1816. The timing has added a symbolic layer to the team’s run, with the national colours and football celebrations filling the country during a major holiday.
Argentina is due to face Switzerland in Kansas City on 11 July. The fixture also recalls their meeting in the 2014 last 16, and a victory would reportedly send the champions to their third World Cup semi-final in four editions.