Lionel Messi is battling France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot at this World Cup, and my Argentina vs Switzerland props focus on whether the Argentine captain can keep his scoring streak alive in Saturday's quarterfinal.
Switzerland are dangerous on the counter-attack, so things could get tricky for Messi and his teammates if they are as wasteful as they were in their Round of 16 victory over Egypt. For a full side and total breakdown, check out our Argentina vs Switzerland prediction.
Here are my Argentina vs Switzerland props and goalscorer picks for Saturday, July 11.
Argentina vs Switzerland props and goal scorer picks
| Pick |  Probability |
American Odds |
|---|---|---|
 Lionel Messi anytime goal scorer |
51% | -104 |
 Breel Embolo anytime goal scorer |
20% | +400 |
| Switzerland 4+ corners |
50% | +100 |
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My Argentina vs Switzerland props and goal scorer predictions
Lionel Messi anytime goal scorer
Lionel Messi has scored in each of his last six competitive appearances for Argentina, including every game at this World Cup. He's now on eight goals, but imagine he had also converted the two penalties he missed during the tournament. Had he done so, he would now be clear of Kylian Mbappe, who is also on eight goals, and Erling Haaland, who has seven.
Messi's impact on the pitch hasn't been limited to goals. The numbers speak for themselves, as he has attempted at least four shots in four of his last five competitive matches for Argentina.
The South Americans have scored at least three goals in each of their last three matches, so they head into this clash with Switzerland full of confidence. The defending world champions are driven by belief, motivation, and Messi's goals as they chase back-to-back World Cup titles.
That was evident against Egypt, when they came back from a two-goal deficit to reach the quarterfinals without the need for extra time or penalties. I'm backing Messi to do it again, and I expect him to extend his record run of scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Breel Embolo anytime goal scorer
Both teams have scored in five of Switzerland's last seven matches, so there's usually plenty of action when they take the pitch.
And Embolo often takes centre stage. He has either scored or provided an assist in four of his last five matches for Switzerland. He has also recorded at least one shot on target in four of his last five appearances for his country.
Embolo has scored twice at this World Cup, finding the net against Qatar and Algeria. He has started all five of Switzerland's matches so far, registering nine shots, four of which were on target. He is not an easy opponent to contain, as his qualities allow him to adapt to different situations during a match. If Switzerland are to exploit any of Argentina's defensive vulnerabilities, Embolo is the man most likely to do it.
Switzerland to have 4+ corners
Switzerland have won 26 corners so far, averaging just over five per game at this World Cup.
Argentina's opponents have earned only 16 corners against them, meaning Lionel Scaloni's side are conceding an average of 3.2 corners per match. Switzerland have won at least three corners in four of their five matches, reaching four or more on three occasions.
There's a strong chance they will win at least four corners against Argentina, especially as they are likely to rely even more on set pieces than they have earlier in the tournament. As the underdogs in this quarterfinal, they are expected to spend less time in possession, making corners and free kicks valuable opportunities to threaten Argentina's penalty area.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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