Scaloni labels France-Spain semifinal 'an early final' as Messi's Argentina brace for Switzerland test

Argentina's rocky path to the last eight

Argentina has navigated two emotionally draining knockout matches to reach the quarterfinal. After needing extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32, the defending champions fell behind Egypt in the round of 16 and trailed until the hydration break, only to mount a stoppage-time comeback for another 3-2 victory. The narrow escapes prompted coach Lionel Scaloni to make three changes for the Egypt tie: Nicolás Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes and Julián Álvarez replaced Cristian Medina, Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martínez. Those adjustments will likely stay in place for the Switzerland match, with Argentine media reporting an unchanged eleven: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Messi and Julián.

Messi at 39: 'Still the best if he wants'

The 39-year-old Lionel Messi is the only player from Argentina's 2014 World Cup final team still on the squad and carries the nation's hopes of becoming the third side to win consecutive World Cups, matching Italy and Brazil. His long-time partner Ángel Di María has retired, leaving Messi to shoulder the creative burden alone. Scaloni dismissed any fitness concerns.

He's in form. He has a personal trainer. He's always prepared and the team supports him a lot. I think he's still the best if he wants. Of course, a moment will come when he retires, but until then he wants to keep being the best.

Scaloni on Switzerland: 'An exceptional team'

Argentina's quarterfinal opponent has earned Scaloni's respect. The coach described Switzerland as "an exceptional team" and a side that "will always fight," warning that their squad of "very experienced players" makes them "a really difficult rival." Switzerland's run to the last eight has been less dramatic but no less stubborn, setting up a contest that Scaloni expects to be far from straightforward.

There are no easy rivals, we all know that. For me, Switzerland is an exceptional team. They will always fight, they have very experienced players, so they are a really difficult rival.

France-Spain semifinal called an 'early final'

While Argentina focus on Switzerland, the other side of the bracket has already produced a marquee clash. Scaloni was asked about the 14 July semifinal between France and Spain and did not hesitate.

Of course it's an early final. They are two great teams, both favorites, and one of them will unfortunately be left on the road. I don't think it's bad that [Lamine Yamal] said that because it's the reality.

Scaloni added that the tournament's two favorites meeting in the semifinals has been a recurring theme in press conferences and that it will be a pity only one advances.

Favoritism claims resurface

Scaloni also addressed suggestions that Argentina benefit from favorable treatment, a recurring narrative around the Albiceleste. He pointed to similar claims during the 1986 World Cup run under Diego Maradona, framing it as a motivational tool.

In '86 they also said they didn't favor us; so it's nothing new. There was criticism and it was used, ever since I can remember, because Argentina is one of the teams that always animates the tournament. In some way, it's used to show the players that there are people who don't want Argentina to win.