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UPDATE: The Alpine Messi kept even with his namesake and his team for most of their match, but a late goal – scored just a few minutes before the end of extra time – gave Argentina (and the real Messi) the edge, 1-0. Argentina will face the winner of the USA/Belgium match in the quarterfinals.
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There’s no doubt that the marquee player in today’s Argentina/Switzerland matchup is Lionel Messi – not only is he one of the most well-known players in the game, he’s arguably one of all-time best. But Messi and Argentina will have some strong competition today…from Alpine Messi.
He may not be as well known, but Xherdan Shaqiri has earned his nickname with strong play, and the same stature (at 5′ 7″) as Messi. Can he help his team advance when they face off at 12 PM ET (4 PM UTC)? Or will his namesake get the best of him?
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