Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina: World Cup 2022 opener goes wrong for Messi and co as they are handed the first biggest upset of this tournament

Saudi Arabia inflicted the biggest upset in World Cup history by defeating Argentina 2-1 in their opening game. This puts an end to the Copa America winners’ 36-game unbeaten run. 

A second half comeback saw the team fight back from 1-0 down to gain a one goal advantage. And now, they have halted the momentum of Argentina who were one of the favourites to win the World Cup prior to the start of the tournament. 

Saudi Arabia defeat Argentina 2-1 in huge shocker 

Lionel Messi scored the first goal for his country at the tournament from the penalty spot. The captain made no mistake from the spot after Leandro Paredes was fouled from a free-kick situation. It seemed like he had scored a brace only shortly after. But VAR ruled it out for being offside. 

Argentina were on the offence throughout the first half, but were unable to add to their lead. Saleh Al-Shehri brought Saudi Arabia back on level terms before Salem Al-Dawsari curled his effort into the top corner to make it two goals in six minutes.

Julian Alvarez had a shot cleared off the goal line, in what was the closest effort for the South American team in the dying stages of the game. Argentina will attempt to bounce back in their next game against Mexico while Saudi Arabia face Poland.