DOHA : Lionel Messi’s Argentina stumbled to a shock 1-2 defeat against Saudi Arabia QAand hence their tournament started on the worst note possible. Just minutes into the second half, Saudi Arabia scored a stunning equaliser through Saleh Al Shehri and then Salem Al Dawsari doubled the lead for his side, courtesy of a brilliant solo goal. Earlier in the first half, Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the spot after VAR intervention saw Argentina earn a penalty against Saudi Arabia. Both Messi and Lautaro Martinez have seen multiple goals being denied by offside flags. Credit to Saudi Arabia for not letting the game go out of their hands at half-time, with Argentina only being 1-0 up at the break.
Saudi Arania’s A;Amri saved a last minute attempt by Argentina to net an equalizer. The Saudi goal-keeper jealously guard his net and made several Argentinians’ efforts futile, NDTV,AFP,New York Times-pix
