Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia: Messi stunned on start of fifth World Cup

Saudi Arabia produced the first big shock of the World Cup and one of the biggest in recent history as they came from behind to beat Argentina 2-1 in Qatar on Tuesday. 

Second-half goals from Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari cancelled out Lionel Messi's opener in the opening game in Group C as Argentina's 36-game unbeaten streak was ended. 

Everything had got off to the perfect start for Messi, in his fifth World Cup, and Argentina, who took the lead in the 10th minute from the penalty spot after a shirt pull in the box. 

Messi's first touch had also drawn a save from Mohammed Alowais and there were moments in the first half when it looked like Saudi Arabia would pay for their high line. 

However, they judged it just right, with Argentina seeing three goals ruled out for offside before the break. 

Messi's effort was the first to be chalked off before two Lautaro Martinez goals, the first of which was very marginal, fell the same way. 

Everything changed in eight minutes at the start of the second half. 

Alshehri levelled in the 48th minute, stunning Argentina, and then a wonderful goal from the brilliant Aldawsari turned the game on its head. 

Argentina pushed and pushed after that but they never really came close to equalising, not even in what ended up being 14 minutes of added time. 

Alowais saved a Messi header and then another one from Julian Alvarez as Saudi Arabia held on for what was a momentous win for the country.