As a result of Argentina’s shocking loss, Saudis are celebrating.

There was an outpouring of Arab joy on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s Argentina team 2-1 in the World Cup, the first time the event of soccer’s highest level had been held in the Middle East.

State media reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recommended the royal edict declaring a public holiday in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to honor the achievement. Although he was a prominent figure at the tournament’s Sunday kickoff, Prince Mohammed was not spotted in attendance.

In light of the criticism the conservative Muslim country of Qatar has received for its treatment of human rights, this must have been a very satisfying moment for the country. In honor of Saudi Arabia, the emir of Qatar wore their flag over his shoulder during the game. “Congratulations Greens” was illuminated on a Doha skyscraper.

Photographed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 22, 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prince Saud bin Salman celebrate their team’s victory against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Picture: Reuters, Courtesy of the Saudi Royal Court’s Handout
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his brother, Prince Saud bin Salman, pose for a photo on November 22, 2022, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after their team defeated Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. With permission from the Saudi Royal Court and a handout provided by Reuters
“Wow! In this moment, I experience every emotion. We triumphed over Argentina, a formidable opponent “the green Saudi Falcons scarf-wearing Saad from Riyad, who has been in Qatar for two weeks.

“Everything in the stadium went smoothly because our boys played so brilliantly. It was incredible.”

Messi, 35, earned a penalty in the 10th minute as Argentina dominated the first half, but three goals by him and Lautaro Martinez were disallowed for offside. This was Messi’s sixth and final attempt to win the one big title that had eluded him.

However, Saudi Arabia, the tournament’s second-worst ranked squad after Ghana, showed little restraint as they stormed the field early in the second half to attack Argentina’s defense in front of a delirious crowd of 88,012.

“God bless the guys, who were up to the challenge and helped us to a complete victory. They were counting on one person, but we took them out in a team competition, so we know we can handle this. Keep an eye out for Saudi Arabia since it packs a powerful punch “echoed Saudi supporter Abdelaziz al-Khwatem.

There was a huge line of automobiles, and the women in the veils were standing up in the open sunroofs, waving the Saudi flag. Young children gave the victory sign in celebration.

Tunisian fans were ecstatic despite their team’s scoreless draw with Denmark.

Qatar-based Tunisian Hoda Salmi exclaimed, “I’m so proud,” as fellow supporters roared their approval.

Yusra Khalil, who was at the fan zone with her husband and two daughters, stated, “It was a big thrill to watch Saudi Arabia win.” Being Arabs and having the World Cup in Qatar is a huge motivating factor for us.

The Lusail Stadium was electric for the whole match as Argentina’s huge and rowdy home crowd was joined by thousands of Saudis who had crossed the border to cheer on their team.

We thought beating Saudi Arabia would be simple, and we had planned on scoring at least five goals. On the other hand, the Saudis’ game plan in the end was to never give us the ball. They scored, and that was it, according to Juliana Vega, 21, an Argentinean fan.

Tolerance
While holding a news conference prior to the start of the game, the foreign minister of Qatar and his American counterpart discussed the topic of tolerance. Doha’s treatment of foreign workers and their rights has drawn criticism.

FIFA has threatened players with yellow cards if they wear rainbow-colored armbands, which has prompted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to say it is “always troubling” to hear of constraints on freedom of expression.

On Monday, Blinken, who was in Doha for a strategic discussion between the United States and Qatar, witnessed the national team play its first game.

Also speaking on Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said he had discussed the importance of being a welcoming host country for the World Cup with Qatar during a pre-tournament visit. This came after allegations that supporters wearing rainbow-colored attire had been harassed.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, the foreign minister of the Gulf Arab state, has stated that all people are welcome.

“All of the entrances are free and clear. Focus on the action on the football field, please.”