Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup prediction: Odds, picks, best bets for quarterfinals Saturday 

Lionel Messi and Argentina’s bid for a repeat seemed out of reach. 

It was unthinkable to imagine their heavyweight fight with Cape Verde could be topped, but after trailing Egypt by two goals in the 69th minute of their Round of 16 match, La Albiceleste authored another page of World Cup history, this time rallying to score three goals in 13 minutes to seal a 3-2 win.

Now, they are one win away from the semifinals, and a dangerous Swiss team that outlasted Colombia on penalties stands in their way. 

Switzerland enters this final-eight match in Kansas City with nothing to lose and clicking on all cylinders.

Argentina is listed at -145 odds to win within 90 minutes, with a draw at +250, and Switzerland is a +425 underdog on the moneyline at BetMGM. 

Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup prediction, best bets

The Swiss are the surefire long shot to still be standing in this tournament entering Saturday. 

Switzerland is improving by the day, shutting out both Algeria and Colombia in the knockout rounds. They also have playmakers in the midfield and attack who can exploit a spotty Argentina backline that’s allowed four goals in its last two games. 

Despite losing leading goalscorer Johan Manzambi to injury, Nati fended off a tough Colombian side thanks to resilient goalkeeping and timely play. 

Breel Embolo could present challenges to Argentina’s back line. Getty Images

Breel Embolo remains a powerful attacker, but it will be up to captain Granit Xhaka and Dan Ndoye to fill the void left by Manzambi. The absence of his versatility may affect their attacking rhythm, much like Morocco’s difficulty in generating big chances against France without Ismael Saibari. 

Argentina has been far from perfect during the knockout rounds, but has shown they don’t need much time to strike. Each time they seem down and out, they rally together. Murat Yakin’s side will attempt to do what many sides could not, and that is slow down the offensive juggernaut that is Messi.

While the Swiss have notched two straight shutouts, La Albiceleste presents a far more formidable test than either Algeria or Colombia. Argentina arrives with an 11-match unbeaten run at the World Cup dating back to 2022, a stretch during which they have scored multiple goals in every contest.

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Argentina’s habit of conceding first has been a gift to those betting on live markets, yet I anticipate a more disciplined opening in this knockout-round showdown. 

Messi is currently on a legendary run, with nine goals and two assists in just five appearances. 

Expect the magician to find the scoresheet or deliver the decisive pass once more as Argentina secures its spot in a second straight semifinal. 

The Play: Argentina moneyline (-145, BetMGM) | Messi to score or assist (-185, FanDuel)

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