World Cup 2022: Social Media Reacts to Saudi Arabia’s Upset of Argentina

The tournament is just 48 hours old and already might’ve seen it’s most surprising result.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup kicked off less than 48 hours ago and already might’ve seen its most surprising moment.

Saudi Arabia—ranked 51st in the world—stunned Argentina, one of the tournament’s favorites, on Tuesday, coming from behind to secure a 2–1 in each side’s opening match in Group C play. The upset, which also ended Argentina’s 36-game winning streak in international play, is already being regarded as one of the biggest in World Cup history.

Lionel Messi got Argentina on the board first, scoring casually on a penalty kick to give his side a 1–nil advantage in the 10th minute. However, Saudi Arabia struck back less than three minutes into the second half when Saleh Al-Shehri equalized with a bouncing shot to the far post. 

Just five minutes later, Saudi Arabia was back on the attack when the ball landed at the feet of Salem Al-Dawsari. The winger navigated through a collection of Argentinian defenders before sending a rocket into the back of the net that gave his side a 2–1 lead. 

A stunner from Salem Al-Dawsari! And Saudi Arabia has the lead against Argentina!

(via @FOXSoccer)pic.twitter.com/9c4DrehqrJ

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) November 22, 2022

Despite a few late chances from Messi and Argentina, the final whistle sounded with Saudi Arabia still ahead. The victory gave Saudi Arabia three points and an early lead in Group C, while Argentina dropped to the bottom of the table after just one match. 

Given the expectations for each side coming into the tournament, social media was stunned at the result, which came in before most of the fans in the United States were awake. Still, Twitter was plenty active once the match came to a close with reactions pouring in from around the world. 

SAUDI ARABIA PULLS OFF ONE OF THE BIGGEST UPSETS IN FIFA WORLD CUP HISTORY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Ip8HI1gRLe

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 22, 2022

This picture says it all. #ARGvsKSA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Q3yqNi8Ipz

— ESPN India (@ESPNIndia) November 22, 2022

Fans in the U.S. waking up to see that Argentina result 😅 pic.twitter.com/xhtCwfOj8k

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 22, 2022

SAUDI ARABIA CAME TO CRASH THE PARTY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/XaeuzDjT5s

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 22, 2022

Give Herve Renard his flowers.

2012: Won AFCON with Zambia
2015: Won AFCON with Côte d’Ivoire
2018: Qualified Morocco to the World Cup for the first time since 1998
2022: Stuns Messi’s Argentina in World Cup opener with Saudi Arabia

The 54-year old Frenchman is 👌🏾👌🏾. pic.twitter.com/TznZGFuCgh

— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) November 22, 2022

That is one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Extraordinary performance from Saudi Arabia.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 22, 2022

Congratulations Saudi Arabia!!

You’ve ended Argentinas unreal 36 unbeaten streak. 😳

The magic of the beautiful World Cup. pic.twitter.com/p8ENNi9cSA

— Castro1021 (@Castro1021) November 22, 2022

Saudi Arabia fans do Cristiano Ronaldo's SIU after beating Lionel Messi's Argentina. Wicked!!pic.twitter.com/umBzhCkAze

— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) November 22, 2022

Daily Cover: ‘We Know the Greatness. Hopefully That Switches Over to Us.’