Lionel Messi straight up called Argentina's run 'not normal' after they battled through Switzerland in the World Cup quarterfinals. Our reigning world champions took a gritty 3-1 extra-time win in Kansas City on Saturday, booking their ticket to the semifinals against England. Talk about high stakes, right? This team just keeps pushing the limits of what we expect.
The Quarterfinal Grind and VAR Drama
Man, that match against Switzerland was an absolute grind. Alexis Mac Allister got Argentina on the board, giving us that sweet lead we needed. But Switzerland, man, they didn't quit. Dan Ndoye came through in the 67th minute and knotted it up. Just when it felt like the unfancied Swiss were really building momentum, things got WILD. Breel Embolo got hit with a controversial sending off. VAR got involved, reversed a challenge on him, and then boom, he's booked for a dive. His second yellow! You gotta feel for the Swiss, but in a game like this, every call gets magnified. Argentina pushed through that 10-man squad, showing that champion grit we all love to see.Messi's Honest Take on History
After that intense battle, Messi himself didn't hold back. He told ESPN Argentina, "It's good that [Argentine] people are enjoying it as much as we are. That's how we live it." But then he dropped the real truth bomb, saying, "This group has got people used to doing things that aren't normal: it's not easy to come back from being world champions, winning everything we won, and then continue competing and remaining at that level, among the top four, playing in another semifinal ... It's not normal, that's why we have to enjoy it so much." He's not wrong! To be a three-time champion, defend your title, and stay at that elite level? It's unheard of. We went a long time without being world champions, so Messi's right: everything that comes next should be enjoyed and valued. This team just keeps proving why they're the best. So, what's next for this 'not normal' squad? They're heading into the World Cup semifinals, a huge clash against England. This isn't just another game, folks. Argentina is chasing history, looking to retain the title for the first time ever. Messi said it himself, they're gonna "rest, recover our strength and compete in the semifinal." We know they'll bring that fire. Get ready, because this semifinal is gonna be absolutely epic!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.