In pursuit of his last and most coveted championship, Lionel Messi, at the age of 35, successfully converted a penalty in the 10th minute of the match. The first half showcased his dominance alongside Lautaro Martinez, with the pair narrowly missing out on three goals due to offside calls.
However, Saudi Arabia, the team with the second-lowest ranking in the tournament (after Ghana), displayed great determination in the beginning of the second half. They aggressively attacked Argentina’s defense in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 88,012.
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| Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group C – Argentina v Saudi Arabia – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – November 22, 2022 Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Peter Cziborra. Photo: Reuters |
In the Group C opener, Saleh Al-Shehri scored a goal in the 48th minute with a well-executed low shot, while Salem Al-Dawsari followed up with an impressive strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 53rd minute. Their performance left Argentina and Lionel Messi bewildered and shocked.
Despite enjoying a significant amount of possession, Argentina struggled to break through Saudi Arabia’s defences. This was particularly disappointing for Saudi Arabia, as they were participating in their sixth World Cup but had never managed to win an opening match before.
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| Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group C – Argentina v Saudi Arabia – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – November 22, 2022 Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates. Photo: Reuters |
“Fulfill our dreams”
The entirety of the game took place in a remarkable atmosphere at the esteemed Lusail Stadium. Argentina’s renowned and passionate fanbase was met with the support of thousands of Saudis who traveled across the border to enthusiastically cheer on their team.
“Our team brings our dreams to life!” and “Where is Messi? We outperformed him!” echoed the passionate Saudi supporters in the Lusail Stadium. Clad in green, they passionately cheered for every defensive clearance with thunderous enthusiasm.
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| Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group C – Argentina v Saudi Arabia – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – November 22, 2022 Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates. Photo: Reuters |
Both teams have upcoming matches against Mexico and Poland. Argentina needs to respond immediately if Messi wants to have a genuine opportunity of equaling Diego Maradona’s legendary status in his own country by leading Argentina to win the World Cup.
The outcome ended Argentina’s remarkable 36-match unbeaten streak, preventing them from equaling the previous international record of 37 games without a loss set by Italy.
