Saudi Arabia struck at the Lusail Stadium as they came back from 0-1 down to beat Argentina (2-1), one of the main favorites to win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Lionel Messi, the world title and comparisons with the great Diego Maradona

At the age of 35, Messi is most likely facing the last World Cup in which he will play.

The Cougars made their 2022 World Cup debut in Qatar with a left foot, much to the chagrin of Argentina.

Inevitably, at the end of the game, footage appeared showing Messi in one form or another next to the image of Argentina’s favorite son, Diego Armando Maradona.

Despite becoming the only Argentinian player to score in four World Cups (Batistuta and Maradona have only three), Messi still carries a major burden of his career: he has yet to make the national team Argentina is the world champion.

The Pumas won the World Cup twice, in 1978 and 1986 (the last time when Maradona was at his peak).

Lionel Messi and Diego Armando Maradona, “together” in one photo after Argentina’s defeat by Saudi Arabia

Know:

• Lionel Messi became the first Argentinian player to score in 4 World Cup finals (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022). Thus, the PSG star surpasses Gabriel Batistuta (1994, 1998, 2002) and Diego Maradona (1982, 1986, 1994).

• The last time Argentina lost their opening match at a FIFA World Cup was in the 1990 World Cup, when the Cougars lost to Cameroon (0-1 at the San Siro).

• The last time Argentina lost was in the semifinals of the Copa America 2019 (July 3), when they were beaten by Brazil (0:2). Then there were 36 matches without defeat.

• Argentina won the World Cup title twice, in 1978 and 1986.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar matches on Tuesday is LiveBlog on HotNews.ro.