WORLD CUP 2022

“Messi, where are you?” - Saudi fans ecstatic after World Cup win

The Saudi Arabia fans celebrated their shocking victory over Argentina at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday, taunting Lionel Messi in a chant.

By now, you’ve probably heard that Argentina lost their opening World Cup group stage game to Saudi Arabia. It was an upset that few predicted and it’s caused controversy already. Is Messi in cahoots with Saudi Arabia? Did the referee show favortism to one side? Is this whole thing a conspiracy? Or maybe, just maybe, did one of the tournament’s top favorites get out-classed by an underdog?

No matter your thoughts, credit should be given to Saudi Arabia for how they played. After Lionel Messi scored on a penalty to put the Argentines ahead early in the first half, the Saudis came back and made them pay for it. Argentina had three goals ruled out for offside and in a matter of five minutes, Saudi Arabia equalized the game and then took the lead. Despite all the extra time added to the game, they maintained the lead and ended a 36-game winning streak for El Albiceleste.

The Saudi Arabia fans were understandably ecstatic at the game’s end. At the final whistle, they mocked Messi, chanting, “Messi, where are you?”.

Saudi Arabia now have the chance to reach the round of 16 for just the second time ever as they prepare to take on Poland in Group C on Saturday. Argentina will attempt to get back on their feet when they face Mexico on Saturday.

Follow along with our live coverage of the other Group C showdown as Robert Lewandowski and Poland take on El Tri at Stadium 974.