​How Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina: Direct play and high line, crowd sows panic, microscope on Messi

"Saudi Arabia have beaten Argentina 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. The opening match of Group C at the 2022 World Cup looked to be going as expected after Lionel Messi’s early penalty. Yet two goals in the first eight minutes of the second half — from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari — stunned the South American champions, who entered the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. …”

The Athletic (Video)

Guardian – ‘We gave them a response’: Saudi Arabia claim their place in World Cup history

NY Times: Saudi Arabia Leaves Another Scar on Argentina’s Soul

BBC – World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia deliver ‘seismic’ shock, but don’t count Argentina out

The Athletic: ‘He sold himself to the devil’ – Messi, 2030, and a very uncomfortable deal with Saudi Arabia (Video)

Guardian: Lionel Messi’s international career has never felt closer to oblivion

The Athletic: Messi’s Argentina have no excuses – but they also shouldn’t be too worried

The Athletic: Saudi Arabia humble Argentina – but was it the greatest World Cup shock ever?