In the biggest upset of the event so far, Saudi Arabia defeated Lionel Messi-led Argentina in the opening game of the World Cup in 2022, putting one of the tournament's favorites in real danger of an early exit.
Argentina and Saudi Arabia are playing a game at Lusail Stadium.
The Saudi team was able to win a game for the first time after strikers Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari scored back-to-back goals in the middle of the second half.
Messi scored from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after the Saudi team conceded a foul in the box.
Argentina failed to break the Saudi defenses and were punished for it.
The two other members of Messi's group, Mexico and Poland, are both higher ranked than Saudi Arabia, so Messi's hopes of securing a World Cup are dependent on their ability to win against Mexico and Poland.
The number 36. Argentina hadn't lost a game in over a year before Tuesday. Italy has a world record of 37 straight games without a loss.
The World Cup is the only major trophy that Messi has yet to win. Argentina entered the tournament as one of the favorites due to a long-unbeaten streak and a rejuvenated Messi. It is likely that the loss to Saudi Arabia will bring back memories of the 1990 World Cup where Argentina, led by Diego Maradona, were stunned by a single goal in their first game.
Lionel Messi made more money this year than any other player on the Forbes list.
Saudi Arabia stuns Messi and Argentina in the World Cup.
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