Qatar World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in Group C opening game

Saudi Arabia staged a massive upset in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, coming back from a goal down to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina 2-1 in Group C's inaugural game.

The three-time Asian Cup winners staged a second half comeback against the South American team to hand Lionel Scaloni's men their first defeat in 36 games.

A Messi penalty put the Copa America holders in the driving seat before Hervé Renard's men came back with goals from Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari.


In the game at Qatar's Lusail Stadium, Saudi Arabia's Yasser Alshahrani went off on a stretcher in the closing stages of the game, further extending the game into extra time.

The hard-fought victory puts Saudi Arabia at the top of the group with Mexico and Poland set to play later tonight.