Argentina are back in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals and they will hope Lionel Messi can inspire them past Switzerland after a major scare against Egypt. The thrilling comeback, inspired by Messi and finished off by Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner prompted controversial views from Egypt and conspiracy theories. An emotional Argentina, which saw Lionel Scaloni and Messi both in tears after the last 16, have leant on their iconic No 10, who is in fine form, having reinvented his game and reduced his physical output until the major moments arrive and another is bound to arrive tonight in Kansas City.But Switzerland are resolute and have overcome penalties against Colombia to be here.Follow all the latest updates with senior football correspondent Richard Jolly in place at Kansas City’s Arrowhead to see who grabs the final place in the semi-finals:Argentina train ahead of Switzerland quarter-final(Getty)Nahuel Molina, Julian Alvarez, Christian Romero, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Gonzalez #15 of Argentina attend a training session (Getty)Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina attends a training session (Getty)Jack Rathborn11 July 2026 22:25World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane in thrilling race to finish top scorer1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 8 goals, (3 assists)2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8 goals (1 assist)3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7 goals (0 assists)4. Harry Kane (England), 6 goals (1 assist)5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 5 goals (2 assists)= 6. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)= 6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)= 6. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)= 6. Julian Quinones (Mexico), 4 goals (1 assist)Jack Rathborn11 July 2026 22:15Why Lionel Messi can’t lead Argentina to win this World Cup (on his own)To think the phrase was coined about a Barcelona side blessed with a range of talents. Messidependencia, an over-reliance on Lionel Messi, has been a supposed thing for years now. And yet, as the man himself is in his 40th year, perhaps never as much of a thing.As Argentina seek to retain the World Cup 2026, the questions surrounding their candidature are no longer if Messi is too old, but if his supporting cast can provide enough support. The burden of proof is on the other 10; or, in these days of supersized squads, the other 25.Jack Rathborn11 July 2026 22:05Why an emotionally-charged Argentina need to win this World Cup more than you might thinkHard to say, isn’t it?Who needs this World Cup the most?Well, that’s quite plainly Argentina.Jack Rathborn11 July 2026 21:55Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Argentina v Switzerland in the final World Cup 2026 quarter-final. Lionel Messi is back and hoping to continue his outstanding form, which has seen him sit level on goals with Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.Switzerland held their nerve on penalties against Colombia and have remained under the radar throughout the tournament. Follow all the build-up to the game, which follows Norway v England.Jack Rathborn11 July 2026 21:45