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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Saudi Arabia fans mock Lionel Messi with Cristiano Ronaldo reference after Argentina win

Saudi Arabia fans performed Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic "siu" celebration after their nation's famous victory against Argentina - rubbing salt in Lionel Messi's wounds.

Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Herve Renard's side at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday in one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. Lionel Scaloni's team, who are regarded as one of the favourites for the tournament, were widely expected to beat the Saudis.

Argentina took the lead through Messi's penalty and had the ball in the net four times during the first half, with the other three goals disallowed for offside. Yet strikes from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari secured an astonishing win for the underdogs.

Thousands of Saudis made the short trip to Qatar for the match and the celebrations are likely to continue for many hours to come. One thing a group of supporters did to mark their historic win against Messi was imitate his long-term rival Ronaldo.

In a viral video clip, one Saudi fan is seen turning to those behind him and shouting to get their attention. He then counts to three before jumping up in the air and shouting "siu" - with dozens joining in. They then repeat the celebration over and over again.

Messi won't be too concerned by the celebrations, as he tries to work out what happened during Tuesday's game. Argentina were convincingly outplayed by the Saudis in the second half and face a battle to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.

Saudi Arabia fans celebrated their win against Argentina by copying Cristiano Ronaldo' celebration (Twitter/@marca)

Do you think Argentina can still win the World Cup after losing to Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments below!

Argentina will need to beat Mexico at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday and Poland at Stadium 974 four days later to guarantee their progression to the last 16. If they fail to that, there's a chance they could be knocked out of the World Cup in the first round.

Argentina's defeat to Saudi Arabia certainly wasn't in the script. Many critics have backed them to win the tournament and ensure Messi lifts the World Cup before his glittering career ends. At 35, this is likely to be his final chance to win the competition.

Scaloni boasts an impressive team - one that should go far in Qatar. The reigning South American champions also have Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Julian Alvarez, Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez in their ranks.

Former Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison believes Argentina will still reach the knockout stages. "They could have been here all night and I don't think they would have scored," he told the BBC. "I still think they'll get out of the group though."

Ex-Premier League star Nedum Onuoha added: "At times we think football is predictable, and then things like that happens and you are reminded about why we love football. As long as you are committed and take the opportunities you have, anything is possible."

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness was left in disbelief at Argentina's performance. "That was a shadow of any Argentina team I have seen," he told ITV. "They were a shadow today."

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