Argentina midfielder Rodridgo De Paul knows the days are dwindling on Lionel Messi’s international career and hopes the curtain will not fall with defeat to Switzerland in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals in Kansas City.
Eight-goal top scorer Messi set up Cristian Romero’s reply and scored the equaliser as the holders recovered from 2-0 behind with 12 minutes of regular time remaining to beat Egypt 3-2 in the last 16.
“Everything comes to an end but let’s hope it’s not over yet,” said De Paul, a teammate of Messi at Inter Miami, speaking to Ole.
“We love him and, as you can see in this World Cup, we need him… he inspires us, he motivates us. It’s crazy what we’re going through.
“We suffered a lot [against Egypt] but we also enjoyed it immensely. There are so many emotions that aren’t easy for one body, one mind to process.”
Switerland captain Granit Xhaka says he has a “fond” memory of playing against Argentina at the 2014 World Cup because it was the midfielder’s first campaign at the tournament.
Angel Di Maria scored the only goal of the game in the 118th minute in Sao Paulo and Sunderland midfielder Xhaka does not have revenge on his mind.
“We know what Argentina are capable of,” accepted the 33-year-old, whose team beat Colombia on penalties in the last 16. “Few talk about our qualities; we’ll give the answers on the pitch.
“I like to dream and sometimes dreams come true. But you have to sweat and perform to make that happen. We have to push ourselves beyond our limits.”
World Cup 2026: Argentina v Switzerland team news
Lionel Scaloni has only kept the same side three times during his eight-year tenure but the Argentina head coach’s pre-match training sessions have suggested he will not make changes, according to Ole.
Gonzalo Montiel must avoid a caution or incur a suspension.
Johan Manzambi contributed three goals and four assists for Switzerland before being ruled out of the win over Colombia with an injury to his left knee and the 20-year-old remains sidelined.
Defender Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer have muscle injuries and Xhaka, Denis Zakaria and Miro Muheim are a booking away from bans.
