World Cup: Saudi Arabia Defeat Argentina 2-1

Saudi Arabia registered one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history as they stunned Argentina. 

In a match that will be recalled as long as the World Cup is played, they came from behind against all the odds to beat one of the tournament favourites as Lionel Messi’s final campaign began in disastrous fashion. 

Argentina had been by far the better side before half-time, taking the lead thanks to Lionel Messi’s early penalty awarded thanks to VAR. 

But a bold and brilliant Saudi Arabia players pulled off a massive victory to stun two-time winners Argentina in a fantastic Group C opener in Lusail. 

Ranked 51st in the world, Saudi Arabia could have been done and dusted in the first half as Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Argentina had three goals ruled out for offside. 

But Saudi Arabia flipped the game on its head in a stunning 10-minute period after half-time,  with Saleh Al-Shehri levelling with a low effort and Salem Al Dawsari firing them ahead to spark pandemonium in the stands. 

Having shown their ruthlessness at one end, the Green Falcons demonstrated a ruggedness at the other, holding a stellar Argentina front line at bay to secure only their fourth World Cup win in history and throw the group wide open. 

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina came into the tournament among the favourites, on the back of a 36-game unbeaten run that included winning the 2021 Copa America. 

They now have it all to do to keep alive their hopes of a first global triumph since 1986 and give Messi a fitting ending to what is very likely his World Cup swansong. 

They face Mexico on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia take on Poland.