Argentina midfielder Rodridgo De Paul is aware of the times are dwindling on Lionel Messi’s worldwide profession and hopes the curtain won’t fall with defeat to Switzerland within the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals in Kansas Metropolis.
Eight-goal high scorer Messi arrange Cristian Romero’s reply and scored the equaliser because the holders recovered from 2-0 behind with 12 minutes of normal time remaining to beat Egypt 3-2 within the final 16.
“All the things involves an finish however let’s hope it’s not over but,” stated De Paul, a teammate of Messi at Inter Miami, chatting with Ole.
“We love him and, as you may see on this World Cup, we’d like him… he conjures up us, he motivates us. It’s loopy what we’re going via.
“We suffered quite a bit [against Egypt] however we additionally loved it immensely. There are such a lot of feelings that aren’t straightforward for one physique, one thoughts to course of.”
Switerland captain Granit Xhaka says he has a “fond” reminiscence of taking part in towards Argentina on the 2014 World Cup as a result of it was the midfielder’s first marketing campaign on the event.
Angel Di Maria scored the one objective of the sport within the 118th minute in Sao Paulo and Sunderland midfielder Xhaka doesn’t have revenge on his thoughts.
“We all know what Argentina are able to,” accepted the 33-year-old, whose group beat Colombia on penalties within the final 16. “Few speak about our qualities; we’ll give the solutions on the pitch.
“I prefer to dream and generally goals come true. However you need to sweat and carry out to make that occur. We’ve to push ourselves past our limits.”
World Cup 2026: Argentina v Switzerland group information
Lionel Scaloni has solely saved the identical aspect 3 times throughout his eight-year tenure however the Argentina head coach’s pre-match coaching classes have advised he won’t make modifications, based on Ole.
Gonzalo Montiel should keep away from a warning or incur a suspension.
Johan Manzambi contributed three targets and 4 assists for Switzerland earlier than being dominated out of the win over Colombia with an harm to his left knee and the 20-year-old stays sidelined.
Defender Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer have muscle accidents and Xhaka, Denis Zakaria and Miro Muheim are a reserving away from bans.
