Switzerland have praised Lionel Messi ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Argentina but believe they have identified weaknesses in the defending champions that can be exploited.
Midfielder Denis Zakaria described Argentina as the best team in the world and Messi as the game’s best player, but insisted Switzerland had the quality to contain the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and derail the South Americans’ title defense.
“It’s up to us to put in a really big performance if we want to beat them,” Zakaria said. «It’s always difficult to stop a player like that, but I think we have the quality and the players to do it.»
Switzerland, who eliminated Algeria and Colombia in the knockout rounds, have reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years.
Messi scored eight goals in the tournament, level with Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, and inspired Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16.
Zakaria said Switzerland’s approach requires a collective effort rather than an exclusive focus on Argentina’s captain.
“We know Messi is the best, or one of the best players in the world, but Argentina is not just Messi,” he said.
Give everything
Striker Zeki Amdouni said Switzerland had closely studied Argentina and found areas to target.
“I think there is room, and if we are here today it is because we can hurt them too,” Amdouni said.
«Messi is a great player, the best. But playing against your idols is different. We will give everything on the pitch and do our best to beat Argentina.»
Published on July 11, 2026
