DHAKA: Lionel Messi said he feared Argentina would be knocked out of the World Cup before he set up Angel Di Maria's late extra-time winner against Switzerland.

Di Maria fired in Messi's pass to clinch a 1-0 win, ending stubborn Swiss resistance and setting up a quarter-final tie against Belgium.

"I was nervous towards the end because we couldn't score and any mistake could have knocked us out," said Messi, 27.

"The minutes were passing and we didn't want the match to go to penalties."

Two-time champions Argentina dominated possession in Wednesday's last-16 tie against the Swiss, but were unable to break through until Di Maria converted in the 118th-minute.

"We were suffering but had a special play. I passed to Angel and now we can celebrate," added Argentina captain Messi, Barcelona's four-time World Player of the Year.

Switzerland defender Blerim Dzemaili headed against the Argentina post then prodded wide after Di Maria's strike, reports BBC.

But Real Madrid winger Di Maria said the victory in Sao Paulo was "more than deserved" by the South Americans.

"It wasn't me, the heroes are 23 players and the technical staff. We gave our lives, our souls," the 26-year-old added.

BDST: 0931 HRS, JUL 02, 2014