Argentina were stunned by Saudi Arabia as their highly anticipated 2022 World Cup campaign began with a seismic Group A defeat by the 750-1 outsiders.
The Albiceleste, unbeaten in 36 matches over the past three years, went ahead with a 10th-minute penalty from captain Lionel Messi, looking to cap a wonderful career by winning the tournament at the fifth attempt.
But Argentina failed to build on their first-half dominance, having three further goals — one for Messi, two for Lautaro Martinez — ruled out for offside.
They were made to pay in a remarkable opening to the second half as Saudi Arabia first levelled and then went in front in the space of five sensational minutes.
First Saleh Al-Shehri surged past Cristan Romero and clipped a left-footed shot into the far corner before, in the 53rd minute, Salem Al-Dawsari spun round, swerved away from a defender and curled in a brilliant effort from the left edge of the area into into the top-right corner.
Argentina tried to find a way back into the game, but Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Owais made a series of saves from Nicolas Tagliafico, Messi and Julian Alvarez to seal one of the most remarkable results in World Cup history.
Saudi Arabia now have a chance of reaching the last 16 for only the second time as they prepare to face Poland next, while Argentina must pick themselves up before facing Mexico.
Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Argentina | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Saudi Arabia | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Goals:
10th min – ARG – Lionel Messi (pen)
48th min – SAU – Saleh Al-Shehri
53rd min- SAU – Salem Al-Dawsari
Confirmed lineups:
Argentina (4-3-3, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. Molina, 13. Romero (Martinez-59), 19. Otamendi, 3. Tagliafico (Acuna-71) — 7. De Paul, 5. Paredes (Fernandez-59), 17. Gomez (Alvarez-71) — 10. Messi, 22. Martinez, 11. Di Maria
Saudi Arabia (4-3-3, right to left): 21. Al-Owais (GK) — 12. Abdulhamid, 17. Tambakti, 5. Al-Boleahi, 13. Al-Shahrani — 9. Al-Buraikan 23. Kanno, 8. Al-Malki, 7. Al-Faraj (Al-Abid-45+4), 10. Al-Dawsari — 11. Al-Shehri
Source: www.sportingnews.com