Saudi Arabia stun Argentina in an outstanding performance »

• This World Cup came to life when Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina with a win.

• Argentina loses to Saudi Arabia in a shocking World Cup match, leaving Lionel Messi speechless.

Argentina jumped out to an early lead against Saudi Arabia as they began their much-awaited 2022 World Cup campaign, but Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina with a victory, igniting the tournament.

At Lusail Stadium on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia stunned Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and won 2-1 after coming from behind.

With a calmly executed spot kick in the 10th minute, Messi handed Argentina, one of the tournament favourites, a lead.

However, two goals early in the second half, including an exceptional goal by Salem Al-Dawsari, completely changed the game and gave the Albiceleste little leeway against Mexico and Poland in their other Group C matches.

Argentina entered the match with a clear expectation of winning, and they quickly took the lead thanks to Messi’s penalty, which was awarded following a VAR review for pushing and shoving in the penalty area.

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Messi, who is competing in his fifth World Cup, outran Saudi Arabia’s goalie Mohammed Al-Owais on a breakaway, but both of Lautaro Martinez’s goals and one other were disallowed due to Saudi Arabia’s strong defensive line.

Al-Dawsari curled in a scorching missile from the edge of the penalty box in the 53rd minute, leaving Argentina staring on in bewilderment. Saleh Al-Shehri sneaked in a low shot in the 48th minute.

When Lisandro Martinez’s effort deflected off Nicolas Tagliafico, Al-Owais made a fine stop at point-blank range to prevent Argentina from scoring, but Lionel Scaloni’s team, who had four players older than 34 in their starting XI, appeared weary in the final 30 minutes.

After a horrific incident involving Al-Owais and Yasir Al Shahrani, who had to be taken away on a stretcher, the game was delayed as Saudi Arabia approached a historic victory.