In a thrilling Group C opener in Lusail, a gutsy and talented Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina by coming from behind to defeat the two-time champions.
With Lionel Messi’s first-half goal from the penalty spot and Argentina’s subsequent three goals being disallowed for offside, Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st in the world, might have been eliminated early on.
Saleh Al-Shehri tied the score with a poor effort before Salem Al Dawsari gave Saudi Arabia the lead, causing chaos in the stands, and the team then turned the game around in a stunning 10-minute span following halftime.
After displaying their ruthlessness on one end, the Green Falcons showed their toughness on the other, holding off an outstanding Argentina front line to secure just their fourth World Cup victory in history and open up the group.
Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, entered the competition as one of the favorites after going 36 games without losing, which included winning the 2021 Copa America.
They now have to do everything they can to maintain their chances of achieving their first major victory since 1986 and give Messi a deserving cap to what will likely be his final World Cup.
On Saturday, they play Mexico, and Saudi Arabia plays Poland.
