Images of Messi with a streak of blood near his right eye during the match in Kansas City quickly circulated on social media. Many viewers initially did not understand what happened, as the collision was not shown in close-up by television cameras, and referee Joao Pinheiro did not immediately stop the game.

Lionel Messi with an injury near his eye, looking back during the World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City, Missouri, USA on 11/7. *AP*

According to Argentinian media, Messi sustained a minor laceration to his right eyelid following a challenge with Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka in the second half. As the two players contested the ball, Xhaka's elbow struck the Argentinian star's face, causing the eyelid to tear and begin bleeding.

The injury was not severe, but its proximity to the eye caused blood to flow down the lid and corner, giving the appearance that Messi's eye was bleeding. Cameras repeatedly showed the Argentina captain rinsing his eye during a break in play, before doctors could conduct a thorough examination.

A doctor attends to Messi's eyelid. *Screenshot*

During the second-half water break, Argentina's medical team immediately rushed onto the field to treat Messi. Doctors applied ice to reduce swelling, addressed the laceration above his eyelid, and stopped the bleeding pitchside. After a few minutes of treatment, the 39-year-old forward returned to play without needing substitution.

Argentina's coaching staff did not consider withdrawing Messi because the injury was a minor cut to the eyelid, not affecting his vision. After receiving a bandage and having the bleeding stopped, he continued playing until the end of extra time.

Despite the injury, the collision appeared to affect Messi's touch. After being hurt, he missed one chance when facing goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, though the play was later ruled offside. The captain then had one long-range right-footed shot that narrowly missed the goal.

Prior to the incident, Messi had been a key player for Argentina, assisting Alexis Mac Allister for the opening goal and setting a new World Cup record for most assists. However, Switzerland equalized in the second half, forcing the match into extra time.

Despite the eye injury, Messi remained on the field to lead Argentina for the rest of the match. His presence helped the South American team maintain control before Julian Alvarez scored a superb goal to put the reigning champions ahead. In the final minutes of extra time, Lautaro Martinez scored from a rebound, sealing the 3-1 victory and sending Argentina to the World Cup 2026 semi-final against England.