Saudi Arabia manager takes a dig at Argentina captain Lionel Messi

Herve Renard, head coach of Saudi Arabia believes that Lionel Messi was not motivated as much as he should

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Renard's men dominated the stage Tuesday (November 22nd) when they clinched one of the most remarkable World Cup upsets ever.

After trailing 1-0 after 10 minutes the Green Falcons scored twice within five minutes to end La Albiceleste’s 36-game unbeaten streak dating back to 2019.

Renard, speaking after the game, questioned Lionel Messi about his drive for games like this one. Imagine Lionel Messi playing against Saudi Arabia. 

 Although he will insist that they must win, you can see the motivation is different from when playing Brazil. This is normal.

Former head coach of Morocco and Ivory Coast acknowledged the importance of the win for Saudi Arabia. He also stressed the importance of focusing on their next games.

We have made history in Saudi football, and it will continue for ever. But we must also look ahead, because there are still two very difficult games.

It was expected that Lionel Messi would lead Argentina to victory in the first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Messi was able to convert a penalty in the 10th minute to give his team the lead. After assisting Lautaro Martinez in the first half, the Paris Saint-Germain star had another goal disallowed.