Poor Messi. His quest to win the one major title to elude him got off to a shocking start and brought back memories of Cameroon’s 1-0 win over an Argentina team, led by Diego Maradona, in the opening game of the 1990 World Cup.
BIG-HEARTED SAUDIS When Argentina scored with a 10th-minute Messi penalty, it simply looked a foregone conclusion…a possible rout in store, like Iran getting shell-shocked 6-2 by England.
SPORTING MESSI But Messi, the Paris Saint-Germain star striker, was sporting at the final whistle. He shook hands with a Saudi coaching staff member and stood with his hands on his hips near the centre circle, an all-too-familiar scene for one of the best players ever, who is yet to win the biggest prize in soccer.