Qatar 2022: Saudi Records Historic Win Over Argentina

It turned out An absolute shocker in Lusail! Tournament fancies Argentina started with a quick goal from the penalty spot converted Lionel Messi, but the lead was overturned to (2-1) by a heroic Saudi Arabia team that managed a huge statement of intent in the 2022 World Cup, this Tuesday in Doha.

Spectators at the Lusail stadium, the largest in Qatar with its 80,000 seats, witnessed one of the biggest surprises in the history of the competition.

There was a converted penalty by Messi at the 10th minute of play for Argentina in first half. Leandro parades was Grappled to the floor at the 10th-minute corner, leading to the penalty from which Messi gave Argentina the advantage.

Messi thought he scored another and Lautaro Martinez could have had two, but they were all chalked off for offside.

goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez spent a quiet first period, watching his teammates from afar getting hassled down in the Saudi defense or colliding with a very good Mohamed Al-Owais whose gloves had heated up from the 2nd minute and a first attempt of Messi.

Martinez however lived five nightmarish minutes upon return from the locker room, being betrayed by his defense, particularly by Tottenham defender Cristian Romero – on goals from Saleh Al-Sherhi (48) and Salem Al-Dawsari (53).

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, like his teammates, appeared helpless, distraught as when he attempted an insane solo in the final minutes, in front of the Saudi players who had won only three of their sixteen World Cup matches before Tuesday.

The Albiceleste players who had been on a 36-game unbeaten streak for more than three years (only one game from the world record set by Italy) probably did not expect to fall from the start.

And to see the explosion of joy of the Saudi players at the final whistle, one could imagine that they too had not dreamt of such a feat.

In difficulty in the first round of the 2018 World Cup (with only four points four years ago), Argentina is up against it in Group C. They will face Mexico on Saturday, while the Green Falcons will on the same day face Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.