Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history on Tuesday, beating Argentina 2-1 – a result Lionel Messi described as a “big blow”.

Copa America champions Argentina came into the Qatar game on a 36-game unbeaten streak and appeared on course for a straight win after Messi fired home an early penalty.

Lionel Scaloni’s team could have put the game out of reach of Saudi Arabia in the first half but were penalized for offside three times.

Saudi Arabia, ranked at No. 51 in the world, equalized early in the second half through Saleh Al-Shehri, silencing the hordes of Argentinian fans.

And just minutes later, the Green Falcons were in front when Salem Al-Dawsari fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner after a superb trick.

Argentina besieged the Saudi goal as the minutes ticked by but goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais proved unbeatable and the final whistle sparked scenes of celebration.

Argentina, who last failed to reach the knockout stage in 2002, will be eliminated on Saturday if they lose their second game against Mexico.

“It’s a very big blow, a loss that hurts, but we have to keep having confidence,” said Messi, who has never won the World Cup in his illustrious career.

“This group will not give up. We will try to beat Mexico.”

Saudi France coach Herve Renard said the “stars are aligned” for his team.

“We made football history,” he added. “It will always be like this, that’s the most important thing. But we also have to think about looking ahead. We still have two difficult games ahead of us.”

The defeat is a major setback for Argentina, who were just a game away from equaling Italy’s unbeaten record of 37 games.

Scaloni insisted his team had not taken their opponents lightly.

“What we have ahead of us is to get up and face Mexico,” he said. “They will be tough like everyone is at the World Cup. Now we need to win two games to go through.

“Of course it’s difficult, but regardless of the result today we would try to win every game anyway.”

Poland played a goalless draw against Mexico in the other Group C game, with Robert Lewandowski missing a penalty in the second half.

The Barcelona striker was denied his first World Cup goal when his 58th-minute free-kick was saved by experienced goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

In Tuesday’s final game, Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe will lick his lips as France meet an Australian side lacking in star power in Group D.

France coach Didier Deschamps will be without midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante throughout the tournament, while Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is also absent.

Mbappe will lead a French attack with veteran Olivier Giroud replacing Benzema.

Denmark drew 0-0 with Tunisia in the other group game and talisman Christian Eriksen appeared in his first game at a major tournament since suffering cardiac arrest at last year’s European Championship.

Saudi Arabia’s dramatic victory shifted the focus – at least for a while – to the action on the pitch, but Messi’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo was soon back in the headlines.

Manchester United have said the 37-year-old striker, who currently plays with Portugal in Qatar, will leave the club with “immediate effect” after last week’s inflammatory TV interview.

Ronaldo had said he felt “betrayed” by the club and had no respect for coach Erik ten Hag.

And in Qatar, Belgian Jan Vertonghen said he was “scared” to speak out on human rights after European nations decided not to wear rainbow-themed captain’s armbands.

Seven countries, including England and Germany, abandoned plans to wear the armbands at the World Cup due to the threat of disciplinary sanctions, including warnings, from FIFA.

They were seen as a symbolic protest against laws in the host country where homosexuality is illegal.

“I’m afraid if I say anything about it, I might not be able to play tomorrow,” said the defender.

“It’s an experience I’ve never had in football. I feel controlled. I’m afraid to even say anything about it.”