Argentina have been far from convincing at this World Cup. Yet every time they have been pushed to the brink, they have found a way through.
Sunday's 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, which secured a semifinal against England, was merely the latest chapter in a campaign that seems determined to test the defending champions at every turn.
Apart from three relatively comfortable group-stage wins, every knockout match has turned into an ordeal. Perhaps that sense of struggle has become part of Argentina's identity. Their supporters have begun to expect it, almost believing that the road to glory must be paved with anxiety. The question now is whether there is another chapter of hardship still to come.
The contrast with Qatar 2022 is striking. Argentina suffered then too, but they also looked like a team capable of solving problems. Even amid the chaos of the quarterfinal against the Netherlands and the final against France, there was a clear rhythm to their football that had emerged from the victory over Poland in the group stage.
This time, they have relied far more on moments of individual brilliance, particularly from Lionel Messi, who has responded with eight goals. Beyond him, however, Argentina have struggled to establish any sustained attacking rhythm.
They have shown they can stretch opponents even without natural wingers, yet too often they fail to turn possession into genuine penetration. Whenever Messi takes control, Argentina look irresistible. When he is subdued, unlikely figures such as centre-backs Cuti Romero and Lisandro Martínez have stepped forward with crucial goals. That sounds improbable because it is.
Against Switzerland, Argentina repeatedly failed to exploit the space behind a defence that eventually went down to 10 men. Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez made intelligent runs, but the passes rarely arrived. Instead, possession invariably found its way back to Messi, who was expected to unlock everything on his own. Switzerland's plan appeared simple: crowd Messi and allow everyone else to try to beat them.
For long spells, that strategy worked.
Argentina looked short of ideas against a side playing with a numerical disadvantage. Only when Alvarez, operating more as an attacking midfielder than a traditional striker, unleashed a superb strike from outside the area did the breakthrough finally arrive.
Lionel Scaloni's response reflected both urgency and desperation. Chasing the winner, he replaced midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes with Lautaro Martinez and Flaco Lopez, leaving four forwards on the pitch alongside Messi. It was an aggressive gamble, but the winning goal ultimately came from Alvarez's individual brilliance rather than a tactical breakthrough.
"This is part of our blood," Scaloni said afterwards.
"It is part of our DNA. We are more experienced and we know what it feels like to be dominated, to concede equalisers. Today we kept our composure, the team knew how to remain calm, and we will never give up."
His players certainly showed resilience. But resilience alone may not be enough against England.
The semifinal inevitably evokes memories of 1986, when Diego Maradona scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal before producing perhaps the greatest goal in World Cup history against England.
Messi now prepares for his first senior international meeting with England, carrying similarly enormous expectations. Once again, he may have to shoulder Argentina's attacking burden.
Scaloni has remained remarkably loyal to the combinations that brought World Cup success four years ago, even though they have looked less convincing in 2026. Meanwhile, players such as Nico Paz and Giovani Lo Celso remain largely on the fringes despite Argentina's obvious need for fresh ideas.
This tournament has repeatedly produced unlikely heroes. Alvarez rescued Argentina against Switzerland, while defenders have chipped in with crucial goals. More often than not, however, it has still been Messi who has supplied the answers.
England arrive in the semifinals looking balanced, confident and deserving of their place. Argentina arrive having once again escaped another ordeal.
If they are to reach another World Cup final, they may need to endure one more. The question is whether this team still has enough left to survive it. campaign.
