THE LIONEL MESSI’S REACTION AFTER ARGENTINA'S LOSS TO SAUDI ARABIA
As one of the favorites for this year's World Cup in Qatar, Argentina is widely regarded as one of the strongest contenders to win it. However, the country's performance in their opening group game, a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st in the world, has already endangered their tournament prospects. In the aftermath of Argentina's shock defeat, Lionel Messi told reporters that "This is a time when we need to be united more than ever before in order to face this challenge."
In spite of Messi's early penalty kick goal in the tenth minute, Saudi Arabia recorded their biggest win in history thanks to goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari, who each scored three goals. Sunday marked the end of Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run, which came to an end after their loss to Chile. In order to qualify for the next round of the tournament, Argentina must defeat Mexico in its next match.
Following the defeat by Saudi Arabia in the World Cup match, the Paris Saint-Germain striker, who is playing in his last World Cup for Argentina, called for unity among the players and staff of the team after the match. He said that it was a moment to be more united than ever.This wasn't what we expected, but it depends on us to make it successful." he said. We knew that they would play like that, but we were too rushed, and we never felt as comfortable as we usually do when we're in front of the game. We knew that they would hold the line well. "There are times when the game takes hold of you and you see so much space that you end up doing things you can't change.
In the wake of Argentina's shocking defeat, Lionel Scaloni says his team will have to move on quickly. As he stated, "there is no other choice but to get up and move on.". The team does not need to analyze further. Today is a sad day, but we must raise our heads and move forward. "Having anticipated Arabia's advanced defense, we prepared for the game accordingly. It was a matter of millimeters between the offsides. In my opinion, the first half was all ours, but a goal can change everything. We will analyze their goal plays in a more calm manner going forward." The goals came in the 48th and 51st minute, and they did not turn the game around physically."
Despite their expectations, we still think the same way. These things can occur during the World Cup. We have to work on the things we didn't do so well. "We still have two games -- we're going to push them through. However, football is like that and the World Cup has other things to offer. It was lost, but we are going to fight for the next two matches." Argentina plays Mexico on November 26 before playing Poland on November 30 in their final group match.
By Rashmi Goel