Argentina returns to action with the mission to eliminate Switzerland

Argentina returns to action against Switzerland in the World Cup quarterfinals, carrying the mission to advance and keep alive their hope of retaining the title. The match also offers captain Leo Messi the chance for two more games in the tournament, potentially extending his record-breaking run.

Having navigated two grueling knockout ties against seemingly accessible opponents, Cabo Verde and Egypt, the reigning world champions must now demonstrate the arguments that still position them as favorites. Beyond the initial euphoria, doubts have begun to surface. Lionel Scaloni's squad overcame critical situations with more emotion than cohesive football, revealing vulnerabilities that were not apparent earlier in the tournament.

Behind Messi's brilliance, who has scored eight goals in five matches, questions linger about the team's attack. Notably, Argentina's second-most effective attacking threat in recent matches has been headers from defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero. Lautaro Martínez has scored only one goal, a penalty, while Julián Álvarez has yet to score. Scaloni has alternated between them and even paired them in the third group match against Jordan, when Messi was rested, but the result satisfied few.

Against Switzerland, Lautaro Martínez might return to the starting lineup, having revitalized the team with his second-half entrance against Egypt. Gonzalo Montiel and Nico González are also potential starters. For 'La Scaloneta,' the objective is to become the second team to win consecutive World Cups, following Brazil's feat in 1958 and 1962. They also aim to provide Messi with two more matches, a semifinal and either the final or third-place playoff, to continue breaking records and compete for the Golden Boot against Kylian Mbappé, who has already secured those additional games.