Sports & Fitness

World Cup: Saudi Arabia defeats Messi’s Argentina 2-1 in shocking upset

Tournament favourites succumb to team ranked 51st in Fifa world rankings

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 22 Nov 2022 8:28PM

World Cup: Saudi Arabia defeats Messi’s Argentina 2-1 in shocking upset
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi (centre) and players react at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C football match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium. – AFP pic, November 22, 2022

DOHA – Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s Argentina today, beating the two-time winners 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Messi gave the Copa America holders an early lead from the penalty spot but Saleh Al-Shehri equalised early in the second half and Salem Al-Dawsari struck a sensational winner.

Argentina, who were one of the favourites to win the World Cup, would have equalled Italy’s record of 37 matches unbeaten had they avoided defeat in the Lusail Stadium.

Saudi Arabia are ranked 51st in the Fifa world rankings. – AFP, November 22, 2022

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