Sports are inevitably full of perceived saviors and scoundrels, but Argentina’s soccer team often seems to occupy both roles at the same time. No team blends soccer’s central duality better: the tension between flair and brutality, between honoring the game and seeing what you can get away with in order to win. Historically, Argentina veers between playing soccer at its highest level and stooping to its lowest.

Four years ago, Lionel Messi, soccer’s greatest ever player, won the World Cup with Argentina in his fifth attempt, erasing the only blemish in his incredible career with a starring role in what was called the best final of all time. This tournament feels different. Argentina is an enigma of a team centered around Messi and the religious fervor he inspires — plus, some suspect, occasional help from the officials. Suddenly, what was charming four years ago looks questionable. As they square off in the quarterfinals on Saturday against Switzerland, Argentina is, strangely enough, the closest thing this World Cup has to a villain.

They kicked off the tournament positively enough: all that title pressure was gone after 2022, the squad and coaching staff were unusually settled, and Messi was scoring as easily as ever. Their initial games resembled a greatest-hits compilation; the “Last Dance” vibes were high.

But the World Cup inevitably reveals who you are when you’re put to the test.

In the round of 16, Argentina, a heavy favorite, was down a goal to Egypt early in the second half. Egypt dispossessed Argentina deep in its own half, then beautifully dribbled, passed and slashed their way across the field, scoring a spectacular counterattacking goal, possibly the best of the tournament. Argentina was suddenly on the ropes. Then, things took a turn.

Messi had spotted a possible foul before the play began and demanded the sideline official tell the referee to review it. It seemed unwarranted — the referee had initially let play go on, and Argentina still had the entire field to stop their opponent after the foul was said to have occurred. Nevertheless, the referee acceded to Messi’s request, then disallowed Egypt’s goal. Many watching, including the announcers, were stunned. But Egypt’s outrage was just beginning. Argentina eventually roared back to tie the game (with a goal from Messi). And then in another officiating blunder, the same referee denied Egypt’s legitimate claims for a penalty kick late in........

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