Argentina can book its place in the World Cup semifinals today, and once again, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi.
The Argentine legend enters this quarterfinal clash with Switzerland in ridiculous form, having scored in every match he has played at this tournament. Messi is now level with Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race, while Argentina continues its push to become the first team in decades to win back-to-back World Cups.
Switzerland, however, are not a soft landing spot. They are organized, dangerous on the counter, and just eliminated Colombia in a tense penalty shootout. If Argentina are as wasteful as they were against Egypt, this matchup could get uncomfortable quickly.
Whether you're backing Messi to score, create, or deliver another knockout-stage moment, today's quarterfinal offers several intriguing betting angles. Let's break down Messi's latest odds, player props, and the best World Cup picks for Argentina vs. Switzerland on July 11.
Lionel Messi best bet today — Saturday, July 11
Lionel Messi to score anytime (-125)
vs. Switzerland
I mean... was there any chance we were going with another market?
Lionel Messi enters today’s quarterfinal against Switzerland in ridiculous form, having scored in every World Cup match he has played at this tournament. He now has eight goals and is locked in a Golden Boot battle with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
Messi has been more than just a finisher, but Argentina still runs through him in the moments that matter most. He remains the primary creator, a constant shooting threat around the box, and the player most likely to punish Switzerland if they give him space between the lines.
Switzerland are organized and dangerous on the counter, so Argentina cannot afford the same wasteful finishing they showed against Egypt. But if this quarterfinal opens up, Messi should be at the center of Argentina’s best chances.
With Argentina chasing a place in the semifinals and Messi chasing the Golden Boot, this is still my favorite goalscorer angle on today’s card.
Bet Lionel Messi to score anytime at bet365!
Lionel Messi odds to score a goal
This number is short, but Switzerland’s setup may actually make Messi more dangerous, not less.
The Swiss are unlikely to play recklessly. They’ll sit compact, protect central areas, and try to frustrate Argentina into slower possessions. That sounds like a problem until you remember Messi doesn’t need chaos to score. He thrives in those half-spaces at the edge of the box, where one loose clearance, one late challenge, or one defender backing off can turn into a left-footed finish.
Argentina also won’t want this match drifting toward penalties against a team that just survived Colombia in a shootout.
At -125, you’re paying for role and inevitability. Switzerland can defend well for 80 minutes and still give Messi one look. That may be all he needs.
Lionel Messi Golden Boot odds
At +150, this is now a frontrunner price, and you’re betting on Argentina giving him enough runway to finish the job.
He enters today’s quarterfinal against Switzerland with eight goals, tied with Kylian Mbappe at the top of the race and just ahead of Erling Haaland. The margin is thin, but Messi has one major edge: Argentina’s attack still bends around him in every important moment.
The concern is that Switzerland are exactly the type of opponent that can slow a match down, limit clean looks, and force Argentina into patient possession. But that also means set pieces, penalties, and moments around the edge of the box become even more important — and those are still Messi zones.
At +150, the value is mostly gone. But if Argentina get past Switzerland and Messi scores again, he could take control of the Golden Boot race before the semifinals.
View the full range of Lionel Messi props at bet365.
Lionel Messi player bio
Lionel Messi enters the 2026 World Cup as the reigning champion and the centerpiece of Argentina’s attack, even as his role continues to evolve. While his minutes are more carefully managed than earlier in his career, Messi remains Argentina’s primary creator and a focal point in decisive moments.
He continues to operate between the lines, dictate tempo, and handle penalties and set pieces — responsibilities that keep him directly involved in goal production. Messi’s experience, decision-making, and positioning allow him to impact matches without relying on constant high-volume runs, making his usage and deployment key factors for bettors evaluating his World Cup odds and player props.
Last 10 World Cup fixtures
| Opponent | Year | G | A | SoT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt (R16) | 2026 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Cape Verde (R32) | 2026 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Jordan (GP) | 2026 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Austria (GP) | 2026 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Algeria (GP) | 2026 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| France (Final) | 2022 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Croatia (SF) | 2022 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Netherlands (QF) | 2022 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Australia (R16) | 2022 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Poland (GP) | 2022 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Totals (L10) |
13 | 3 | 29 |
GP = Group Phase
On the World Cup stage, Messi delivered 13 goals, three assists, and 29 shots on target across his last 10 appearances. That includes his 2022 run, where he was the engine of everything Argentina did.
For bettors, the takeaway is simple: big stage, big involvement. Even at this stage of his career, he doesn’t disappear in tournaments. Goals, assists, and SOT ladders are all in play when the spotlight’s on.
Lionel Messi international player stats
| Caps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | 120 | 64 |
Messi’s international production remains elite. With 120 goals and 64 assists in 196 caps, his output reflects both longevity and sustained influence, reinforcing why his scoring and assist props stay priced aggressively when he’s on the pitch.
Lionel Messi statistics
Last 10 International fixtures
| Opponent | G | A | SoT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland (FR) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Zambia (FR) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Mauritania (FR) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Angola (FR) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Puerto Rico (FR) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Venezuela (WCQ) | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Colombia (WCQ) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chile (WCQ) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Peru (WCQ) | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Paraguay (WCQ) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals (L10) |
5 | 4 | 15 |
WCQ = World Cup Qualifying | FR = Friendly | CA = Copa America
Messi has put up five goals, six assists, and 15 shots on target in his last 10 matches. The goal total isn’t outrageous, but the balance is. He’s scoring and creating at the same rate, which shows he’s still driving Argentina’s attack.
From a betting angle, he’s not just an anytime scorer play. He’s live in assist markets and SOT props too. When he’s on the pitch, the ball runs through him.
More World Cup player odds and props
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How to bet on World Cup player props
World Cup player props allow bettors to wager on individual performances rather than match results. Common markets include goals, assists, shots, and tournament-long awards such as the Golden Boot. These props are influenced by factors like player roles, expected minutes, team tactics, and matchup quality.
Monitoring lineups, possession trends, and game state is key when evaluating value across individual matchups and futures markets.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Lionel Messi FAQ
Lionel Messi's World Cup odds can update frequently based on line movement, matchup context, lineup news, and market demand. Prices may shift multiple times leading up to kickoff, especially once starting lineups are confirmed.
If Messi does does not play, most sportsbooks will void player prop bets. If he starts but plays limited minutes, the bet typically stands, making confirmed lineups an important factor when betting player props.
Yes. Most sportsbooks post player props before lineups are confirmed, with odds adjusting as kickoff approaches. Prices often move once expected minutes become clearer.
Casual bettors often benefit from focusing on player role, expected minutes, and involvement rather than relying on a single scoring outcome. Monitoring lineups, possession trends, and matchup context can help identify more reliable prop opportunities throughout the tournament.
Common player prop markets include goals, assists, shots, shots on target, and tournament-long awards such as the Golden Boot. Availability can vary by match and sportsbook.
