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Saudi Arabia shock Argentina and Messi in one of biggest World Cup upsets ever

Saudi Arabia shock Argentina and Messi in one of biggest World Cup upsets ever

Saudi Arabia have beaten Argentina 2-1 to record one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

Lionel Messi had given Argentina an early lead against the middle eastern nation with a 10th-minute penalty.

The South Americans then had three goals chalked off for offside in the following 35 minutes, suggesting a heavy defeat for Saudi Arabia was likely.

Image:
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts as Saudi Arabia celebrate their first goal. Pic: AP

But two goals in five minutes at the start of the second half turned the game on its head for a side that bookies were offering odds of 500-1 to win the World Cup before the tournament began.

Saudi had to hang on for around 14 minutes’ of added time before the referee blew the whistle for full-time, sparking delirious celebrations among their players and thousands of supporters in the ground.

Argentina were second favourites to lift the trophy before a ball had been kicked, having gone 36 matches unbeaten.

Their last defeat came three years ago, to Brazil.