The tie turned on the 72nd minute: Breel Embolo booked a second time for simulation and off he went. Analysts are split — a fair clampdown on diving, or a punishment that dwarfed the crime of a single theatrical fall and unfairly settled a World Cup quarter-final?

With the game level and heading nowhere at 1-1, Julián Álvarez unloaded a right-footed rocket into the far top corner on 112 minutes — the moment that broke Swiss resistance and very likely the goal of the round.

The opener came from a vintage Messi cross, headed in by Mac Allister inside ten minutes. In what may be his final World Cup, the captain is orchestrating — and Argentina are two wins from defending the trophy.

Before the red, the Swiss were level on merit — Ndoye's finish capped a real response, and they mustered 11 shots. Ten men for the last hour-plus was always going to be too much against the champions, but they leave with credit.

A heavyweight semi-final loaded with history. The world champions against a resurgent England, Messi against Bellingham. On paper, the pick of the last four.