Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s Argentina after they came from behind to secure a shock 2-1 win in their opening World Cup Group C encounter at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Messi handed Argentina the lead with an early penalty converted in the 10th minute as the Copa America champions went into the half time break with a narrow 1-0 lead.

Saudi Arabia managed to draw the game level early in the second half through a 48th minute goal from Saleh Al-Shehri but Salem Al-Dawsari put the game beyond Argentina with a stunning goal in the 53rd minute to snatch the win.
The goals scored by Al-Shehri and Al-Dawsari was enough to steer Saudi past World Cup favourite Argentina to end the South American team’s 36 game unbeaten run.

The win sees Saudi Arabia move to the top of the Group C standings with three points from their first game, while Argentina dropped down to the bottom of the group with zero points.

Photo by EPA/Noushad Thekkayil