Speaking after his on-field clash with Lionel Messi, a Saudi Arabia international revealed what he told the Argentina captain after his side scored a shock second goal in their 2022 FIFA World Cup clash on Tuesday.
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The 2021 Copa America champions were left stunned by the Middle Eastern nation when they suffered a 2-1 loss in their opening match of the tournament, a result that prompted the Saudi King to announce a national holiday in his country on Wednesday.
Messi opened the scoring early on from the penalty spot, but appeared helpless as the Albiceleste conceded twice within five minutes in the second half, with the Falcons able to defend their lead.
As Herve Renard's team scored their second, Ali Al-Bulayh was seen in what seemed to be a strange altercation with the Paris Saint-Germain forward, and he revealed after the game that he used that moment to provoke Messi.
According to the Daily Star, Al-Bulayh said to Messi "You will not win, you will not win!" and patted him on the back before a look of bemusement came over the 36-year-old's face.
Heading into the World Cup in Qatar, Argentina were strongly touted as favourites to claim the prestigious trophy, but their defeat to the Saudis has altered those perceptions.
The South Americans were outworked by an organised Saudi side for most of the encounter, although they did have the ball in the back of the net four times in the first half before VAR's interventions.
Argentina play their next Group C match against Mexico on Saturday night.
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