Argentina vs Saudi Arabia Highlights: Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, stunned the entire world by beating Lionel Messi-led Argentina 2-1 in their FIFA 2022 World Cup opener Group C match at 80,000-seat jam-packed Lusail Iconic Stadium. By the virtue of this win, Saudi Arabia broke Argentina's 36-game unbeaten streak and delivered one of the biggest upsets of FIFA World Cup history.
Argentina were on top in the beginning of the first half as captain Lionel Messi scored first goal of the match, making use of the penalty awarded to his team after VAR intervention. Lautaro Martinez scored two goals after Messi's opening goal but on both occasions, VAR suggested he was offside and Argentina's goals were chalked off.
Saudi Arabia pulled themselves back into the game by scoring an equaliser, minutes into the second half, through Saleh Al Shehri and later Salem Al Dawsari doubled the lead for his side. Argentina, Messi were attacking consistently, desperately looking for a breakthrough to level scores but the end product wasn't just good enough.
Saudi Arabia became the first non-European team to beat Argentina at the World Cup since Cameroon in 1990.
Under Coach Scolani', Argentina looks extremely balanced and footballing legend Messi has a big responsibility of getting Argentina a World Cup win under his captaincy but sadly, they have had a horrific start to their WC campaign.
Saudi Arabia are playing their second consecutive FIFA World Cup this year. After losing their first match against hosts Russia in 2018, they lost their second match against Uruguay and later could not advance beyond the group stage even after defeating Egypt in their third match. Saudi Arabia, the underdogs, apart from Argentina have strong teams like Mexico and Poland in Group C, which makes it tough for them to move ahead in the group stage.