Before the game, no one would have believed that Argentina would fail, as Saudi Arabia was the least talented side in the group. But unexpectedly, Argentina lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.
Match report as goals from Saleh Al-Shehri (48) and Salem Al-Dawsari (53) complete famous World Cup turnaround win for Saudi Arabia against Argentina; Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot (10) but one of the pre-tournament favorites are beaten at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Saudia Arabia have ended Argentina's 36-game unbeaten streak in the first game of the World Cup
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2022pic.twitter.com/ovq9FBWjtt
The result ended Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten run.
“We expected to get the three points that would have given us calmness,” Messi told reporters after the match. “Things happen for a reason. We have to prepare for what is coming. We have to win, and it depends on us.
“There are no excuses. We are going to be more united than ever. This group is strong, and we have shown it. It is a situation that we haven’t gone through in a long time. Now we have to show that this is a real group.”
“It’s a painful loss, but we have to continue to trust ourselves,” Messi said. “We must turn the page and move on. We have to analyze what went wrong. Focus on the positives and turn our attention to the game against Mexico.”
Messi urges Argentina fans to keep believing
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2022pic.twitter.com/UnYBCB2WTo
However, Argentina has not completely lost, and I also believe in Messi! Thinking about the good of this defeat, it is not all bad for the Argentine national football team, and it can motivate them to some extent.
Argentina still has two games to avert disaster, to spare its blushes. Beat Mexico and Poland in the remaining two group games and, on the surface, losing to Saudi Arabia will have done no lasting damage.
Messi: "It's great that many people who are not Argentinians want Argentina to win the World Cup because of me. I'm grateful." pic.twitter.com/YGPExVt7Xl
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 21, 2022