Big Upset at FIFA World Cup: Saudi Arabia Beat Argentina to dent Lionel Messi’s Qatar 2022 dreams

FIFA World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia went a goal down to Argentina in the first half but hit back twice in the second half to stun Lionel Messi’s side in a Group C match in Doha on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia did the unthinkable to pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history as the Green Falcons stunned Lionel Messi-led Argentina 2-1 in their World Cup 2022 Group C opener in Doha on Tuesday. Herve Renard’s men used every ounce of their energy in a spirited display to script one of the greatest victories by an Asian nation in the biggest football carnival.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in the first half by slotting in the penalty in the 10th minute, but La Albiceleste were stunned in the second half when Saudi Arabia scored two goals in five minutes to take a 2-1 lead in Qatar. Saleh Alshehri leveled for Herve Renard’s side minutes after halftime before Salem Aldawsawri put his side ahead with a stunning strike.

Messi scored the penalty against Saudi Arabia after a video review spotted a foul before Argentina had three goals disallowed. Messi, 35, beat Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais on a breakaway, but that goal, as well as two others by his teammate Lautaro Martinez, were ruled offside.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia went a goal down to Argentina in the first half but hit back twice in the second half to stun Lionel Messi’s side in a Group C match in Doha on Tuesday.

A calm Al-Owais made some stunning saves to deny Argentina a number of goals and help Saudi Arabia register their first-ever win over La Albiceleste. This defeat comes as a shock for Messi-led Argentina, who had entered the World Cup as one of the favourites to win the title in Qatar after the Copa America triumph in 2021.