The result saw Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run come to a screeching halt.
Just when we were wondering where an upset would come from, Saudi Arabia served us with one as they defeated two time champions Argentina 2-1 in their World Cup Group C fixture on Tuesday 22 November 2022.
This result will go down as one of the greatest ever World Cup upsets.
Lionel Messi put the South Americans in front in the first half and they had three goals disallowed for offside, but Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari struck in the space of four second half minutes to turn the game on its head.
The result saw Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run come to a screeching halt.
Messi’s bid to win the World Cup in his fifth and final appearance got off to the perfect start when he rolled in a penalty after just 10 minutes.
Argentina dominated the first half and had three goals disallowed, but they were left stunned by Saudi Arabia’s improved performance after the break.
Superb finishes from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari in the space of four minutes turned the game on its head, and the Saudis defended bravely to see out one of the biggest results in their history.
Herve Renard’s side are now in a strong position to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 1994, with games against Poland and Mexico still to come.
Before today, Saudi Arabia had only won four World Cup matches, two of which came all the way back in 1994 – the last and only time they reached the knockout stages.
This, their second victory at the tournament in the last 28 years, is surely their greatest ever. Previously, they’ve beaten Morocco and Belgium at USA ’94, and Egypt four years ago in Russia.
But taking down this Argentina side, led by Messi and considered one of the tournament favourites, will go down as one of the greatest upsets in tournament history – and possibly the biggest moment in Saudi Arabian football history.