Who said what: Football world reacts to Saudi Arabia's shock comeback win over Argentina at 2022 FIFA World Cup

Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run came to a shocking stop at the hands of Saudi Arabia in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener.

Lionel Messi handed La Albiceleste, one of the pre-tournament favorites to go all the way, the lead in the 10th minute from the penalty spot. The South American giants also had as many as three goals ruled out for offside in the first half.

However, Saudi Arabia staged a comeback for the ages just moments into the second half. Saleh Alshehri got the equalizer in the 48th minute after an error by Cristian Romero before Salem Aldawsari put the Asian side ahead five minutes later.

Having turned the tie on its head, Saudi Arabia then showed incredible resilience and grit to hold on. Argentina had as many as 15 shots and six on target, even seeing a couple of efforts blocked off the line, but couldn't find the equalizer.

The FIFA World Cup once again spun its magic and the football community had a wide range of reactions to the spectacle. Legendary Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas wrote on Twitter (translated from Spanish):

Arsenal legend Ian Wright posted a video of his shocked reaction just moments after Saudi Arabia took the lead:

Here are some more reactions to one of the greatest World Cup upsets of all time:

Argentina fall flat in FIFA World Cup opener; tougher challenges lie ahead

Argentina's at times impenetrable defense has been a hallmark of the team's incredible run of form since 2019. However, their backline came crumbling down on the biggest stage in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener.

Saudi Arabia often caused problems for La Albiceleste's defenders in the first half, but without much success. Lionel Scaloni's men couldn't settle themselves down in the second half either as the Asian outfit hounded them with their high press in the first 10 minutes.

Lionel Messi and Co. seemed to lose their composure upon conceding two goals, rushing through many of their forays forward. While they did force a few saves, Saudi Arabia comfortably dealt with most of their opponents' crosses.

Argentina now have it all to do in their final two Group C matches against tricky opponents. They will take on Mexico in their second 2022 FIFA World Cup contest on November 26 and Poland on November 30.

About the author

Anantaajith has been covering European football news at Sportskeeda for almost three years. He previously spent five months at Total Football Analysis, where he deep dived into the likes of the A-League, Chilean and Argentine Primera Divisions, the Turkish league and the Maltese league. A graduate in English and Journalism, and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport Analytics and Technologies from Loughborough University London, Anantaajith is adept at analyzing complex statistics and translating it into concise and reader-friendly content.

He started following football in 2010, watching the FIFA World Cup with his father, a memory he holds very special. The tournament also ignited his admiration for Lionel Messi, who he feels makes the game look simple and produces magic every time on the pitch. Luis Enrique and Sebastien Hoeness are his favorite managers. He supports Barcelona and their 3-2 El Clasico win in the 2016-17 season left a lasting impact on him. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between France and Argentina is another match etched in his memory.

Anantaajith has interviewed many ISL footballers like Anirudh Thapa, Vincy Barretto, Samik Mitra, Jordan Murray, and covered the entirety of the 2022-23 ISL season and the 2023 SAFF Championship. He was cited on the ISL website several times for his efforts.

In his free time, he likes to sing, work out, play football, or play cricket at club/divisional level.

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