'Messi was a ghost!' - Twitter reacts as Saudi Arabia STUN Argentina

Cameron Smith

Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
5 min read

Despite going 1-0 up thanks to an early Lionel Messi penalty, Argentina slumped to a 2-1 shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening Group C match of the 2022 World Cup.

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Lautaro Martinez had two goals ruled out for offside, with Saudi Arabia's high line ensuring Argentina were often caught out as they looked to get in behind their opponent's backline.

A second-half comeback, thanks to goals from Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari, saw Saudi Arabia shock one of the tournament favourites, ending Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run in the process.

READ: Explained: Why there is so much injury time at World Cup 2022

Messi was largely absent throughout the game and was unable to drag his side back into the tie as he's done so many times before.

In fact, the Paris Saint-Germain star was the player who was dispossessed in the build-up to Saudi Arabia's first goal as their press managed to swallow Argentina throughout the game.

It means Argentina now have a mountain to climb in order to top the group and they face a challenge to simply progress into the knockout stages.

READ: Ronaldo, Messi and the stars playing their last World Cup

How did Twitter react to Argentina's shocking defeat?

Twitter reacts to Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

Messi skills and highlights vs Saudi Arabia 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/EtzSNbeIOU
— B𝖔isdelëaû🦖 (@Etleau) November 22, 2022

fair play to saudi arabia they deserved all 3 points
— 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 🇦🇺 (@DarwinRole) November 22, 2022

Argentina’s loss has taught us to never underestimate anyone.
— Achola ♛ (@epicstevens_) November 22, 2022

Argentina need this loss for factory reset...they are still lacking in some aspects and this would only make them see it.
— Seun Dudu (@dudubody) November 22, 2022

That was the most typical Messi performance of all time. Scores a fraudulent penalty that shouldnt have been given. Ghosts the entire game whilst strolling around. Gets the ball a few times near the end and is easily dispossessed. Shame on you, Eibarman.
— Connor Roy (@barra_of) November 22, 2022

Spain loss their opening game at the 2010 WC and went on to win. Just depends on how Argentina move forward mentally, can’t let this loss deject them.
— Liban (@LibanLDN) November 22, 2022

This loss could actually give Argentina the drive they need to win it tbh

Now that streak out the way, they got reminded of what it is to lose. Now it really depends on how they respond
— Kevinho 🇧🇷 (@KevonSpencer) November 22, 2022

Ima big time Messi fan but what the hell was that… bro was legit a ghost, that I thought Ronaldo had joined Argentina for second… Argentina is still winning out tho but that was a terrible performance
— 80 (@ohitsad80) November 22, 2022