Shaista Fatima/ New Delhi

In a thriller FIFA WC match on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina by 2-1.

This came as a shock to football fans all over the globe.

The reason being, it is Lionel Messi's last world cup and also because it became former champions Argentina's first defeat in the opening match since 1990. While Messi secured a penalty goal in the first half of the match, the second half tilted in favour of the Saudi team.

Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari stunned the favourites by securing back-to-back goals in the first ten minutes of the second half of the match.

Argentina didn't lose hope and put up a good fight but Saudi's goalie Mohammed Al Owais was in no mood to allow goals.

Securing three goals at point-blank range, he defended all five goals for his team and was also crowned the player of the match.

Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al Owais is the Player of the Match. He made FIVE saves against Argentina 🧱🏆 pic.twitter.com/m1f5CuvXcb

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2022

The Twitterati was divided on the support front. While some mourned for Messi, others celebrated for the Saudis. Some fans were seen frantically dancing and were overjoyed.

One picture, two different emotions #FIFAWorldCup #Argentina vs#SaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/1CA312IC1i

— It's Jayyy (@_itsjayyyyyyy) November 22, 2022

Your GOAT against Saudi Arabiapic.twitter.com/ZUnZqltqW3

— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) November 22, 2022

Bro pulled the door off celebrating the upset 😂

51st-ranked Saudi Arabia beats Argentina

(via os.nx/TT) pic.twitter.com/pX40RHqCaB

— Pickswise (@Pickswise) November 22, 2022

Veteran English footballer Gary Linekar called it a great upset but also congratulated the Saudi team.

That is one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Extraordinary performance from Saudi Arabia.

— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) November 22, 2022

The crowned prince MBS announced a national holiday on Wednesday to honour his team's victory.

Saudi Arabia declares public holiday after historic Fifa World Cup win 👏🏼💚🇸🇦

— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) November 22, 2022

Saudi team's coach Hervé Renard dedicated this win to the people of Saudi Arabia. The Twitterati was all praises for the French coach. 

Congratulations to the team and the staff for this game, I dedicate this victory to the Saudi people. We are waiting for your support next match! 🇸🇦🦅💚#HervéRenard #SaudiArabia #WorldCup #Alhamdulilah pic.twitter.com/FOUts999gr

— Hervé Renard (@Herve_Renard_HR) November 22, 2022

About last night… 💚

First of the group and qualified, thanks to all the Saudis for the show yesterday ! 🇸🇦🦅🙏🏼#HervéRenard #SaudiArabia #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/cZ7lcP52GN

— Hervé Renard (@Herve_Renard_HR) March 30, 2022

Won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia.

Won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.

Leads Saudi Arabia to a surprise victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.

It's time to familiarise yourself with the tactical genius that is coach Herve Renard 🧠 pic.twitter.com/ynJ3XYpbjt

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2022

Twitterati even trolled Christiano Ronaldo as his parting with Manchester United became official.

"Ronny, I lost to Saudi Arabia today."

"That's nothing, I became unemployed today." pic.twitter.com/gBCYLu8DWn

— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) November 22, 2022

While Saudi Arabia takes on Poland on Saturday, Argentina will face Mexico on Sunday. The live matches can be streamed in India on Sports 18. They are also streamed on Jio Cinema app for free. The Indian Standard Time (IST) for the matches is 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 9:30 pm and 12:30 am.

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