Lionel Messi’s Argentina have been defeated by Saudi Arabia in their 2022 World Cup Group C opener in an absolutely stunning fashion.
Lionel Messi scored for Argentina in the first half, but Saudi Arabia scored twice in a six-minute stretch to grab the lead. Argentina applied intense pressure in the second half but were unable to get a game-tying goal.
Saudi Arabia was +1800 to win the Group C opening straight up at BetMGM, which meant a $10 bet was worth $180. A $10 wager on Argentina to win, on the other hand, would have rewarded you $1.54 if it had won. It’s safe to say that the match had one of the greatest surprises in recent World Cup history.
In the 48th minute, Saleh Al-Shehri scored Saudi Arabia’s first goal. After his goal, it seemed like Argentina would simply react with another, and everything would return to normal.
On the biggest stage, Saleh Alshehri did not miss 💪🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/OWF9RxSftD
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 22, 2022
Instead, Salem Al-Dawsari scored a spectacular goal to put Saudi Arabia ahead. Saudi Arabia had three shots throughout the game. And the only two shots on goal were the two that were successful.
SAUDI ARABIA TAKES THE LEAD 😱 pic.twitter.com/e9nZLj8g5b
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 22, 2022
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Argentina’s best chance to level the game came in the 101st minute, but Mohammed Al-Owais saved Julian Alvarez’s header.
Argentina continued to press in the closing stages, with the referee giving a generous 14 minutes of stoppage time owing to injuries and game stops. But there was no turning back for the 2021 Copa America winners.
Argentina lost their first game since 2019, kicking up their World Cup campaign with a shocking setback. With tough opponents like Mexico and Poland up next, Messi and co., who were projected as early favourites to win it all, will have their work cut out for them in Group C.
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