Lionel Messi reacts to Argentina's shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, says they 'messed up'

Lionel Messi says Argentina 'messed up' as they suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener.

Argentina headed into the tournament as favourites by fans and critics, with many liking the South American's chances in Qatar.

But they failed to open their campaign with a win as they lost 2-1 to minnows Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

That's despite taking the lead through Messi, who converted a penalty in the 10th minute.

In the second half, Salah Alshehri cancelled out Messi's goal, with Salem Aldawsari curling home a stunning strike to put his team in the lead.

Lionel Messi cuts a dejected figure after the final whistle. Image: Alamy

Argentina applied the pressure, but the Saudis held on for a famous World Cup win.

And the Paris Saint-Germain superstar admits Argentina 'messed up' as he bemoaned his team's approach in the final third.

Speaking to reporters after the game, he said: "In five minutes of errors we lost the lead and found ourselves 1-2 down. We messed up, we threw crosses into the box and the game became a little complicated."

On the offside calls that saw them have three goals disallowed, Messi added: "I saw that the offsides were very fair. I didn't see them through images, but if they were annulled, they would be the right decisions. There is no excuse."

The 35-year-old added: "We knew that it was a team that if we let them play, they played well and that they pushed us a lot with their high (defensive) line.

"I had never suffered such a hard blow with this group of players. Things happen for a reason. Now, obviously, we have to win or win (to get through the group)."

La Albiceleste resume their Qatar venture on Saturday when they face Mexico.

And they close their group stage round against Poland on November 30.

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