Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia: The Albiceleste’s terrible start to the World Cup left them stunned. Captain Lionel Messi’s team was thoroughly humiliated against Saudi Arabia. The surprising defeat, however, has not dented the hopes of national team manager Lionel Scaloni or captain Lionel Messi, who hopes to add a world title to his cabinet in his final and fifth World Cup appearance.
Messi also put Argentina in front with a penalty kick, however, Saudi Arabia completely turned the game around with two goals in a short period of time after the break. Hervé Renard’s side also impressed with their relentless pressure and many effective offside traps. Scaloni was not surprised. “We were aware of Saudi Arabia’s operations. We were prepared.” Messi concurred as well. “We were aware that Saudi Arabia possessed talented players who could pass the ball well enough and protect with a high line.”
Nevertheless, Argentina was taken by surprise by the world’s number 51, delivering a stinging defeat to the two-time world champions. “Today is a bad day,” Scaloni concluded, “but we should pick ourselves up and carry on. We still think the same way. They thought of us as favourites before the game, but anything can happen in a World Cup,” the national coach continued. “That’s just football; different situations happen all the time in the World Cup. We lost, but we’ll fight again in the next two games.”
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia: Messi’s reaction
Messi said, “this is a huge blow for everyone. We weren’t intending to start this way, but everything has a purpose.” There are no more excuses, yet this group is strong and has shown it in the past. We haven’t seen anything like this in a long time. “Now we must establish that we’re a serious bunch,” the legendary player said, referring to the 36-game unbeaten record that ended against Saudi Arabia.
Argentina might start the recovery process versus Mexico on Saturday. The game against Poland is set for next Wednesday.
