Saudi Arabia stuns Argentina in World Cup Group C

Everything seemed to be going to script for the two-time World Cup champions when Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic awarded a penalty in the ninth minute after Ali Albulayhi pulled down Leandro Paredes following a set piece.

Messi sent goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais the wrong way as he calmly rolled the ball into the back of the net.

The Albiceleste had three goals ruled out for offside in the first half - twice from Martinez and once from Messi - as they struggled to find a way past Saudi Arabia's high defensive line.

Saudi Arabia didn't have a single shot in the first 45 minutes but that would soon change as Herve Renard's men emerged from the interval looking a different unit.

Alshehri capitalized on loose defending from Cristian Romero to equalize in the 48th minute with an angled finish into the far corner.

The goal sent Saudi Arabia's vocal legion of supporters into wild celebrations. The noise reached fever pitch five minutes later when Aldawsari shifted onto his right foot and rifled a shot into the top-right corner to give his team the lead.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni responded with a triple substitution as Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lisandro Martinez replaced Paredes, Papu Gomez and Romero.

The changes appeared to make an immediate impact. Alowais made a superb reflex save to deny Martinez and then kept out Angel Di Maria's shot with his second attempt.

Argentina continued to press but struggled to find a way through the Asian team's defense. Alowais comfortably saved a Messi header following Di Maria's cross and Alvarez saw his shot cleared off the line by Abdulelah Al Amri.

Manchester City forward Alvarez had another chance in the 10th minute of stoppage time but his header was palmed away by Alowais.