"We Have To Be More United Than Ever" - Messi In Argentina Rallying Cry As He Claims There Will Be 'No Excuses' For Saudi Arabia Upset

Messi in Argentina gathers to cry as he claims 'inexcusable' for upset Saudi Arabia
Lionel Messi called on his teammates to be more united than ever and did not want to make excuses after the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia.

• Argentina was defeated by Saudi Arabia
• Messi calls for unity
• Admits defeat is a hard blow

What Happened?

Source: Gettyimages

Argentina fell 1-2 to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday despite going into half-time with a one-goal advantage thanks to a Messi strike from the penalty spot. The Asian giants scored twice within five minutes to end Albiceleste's 36-match unbeaten streak. The Argentine captain does not want to make excuses after the shock defeat and has urged his teammates to put aside the defeat and prepare for the next game so they can turn the tide.

What They Said

Source: Gettyimages

"There are no excuses. We have to be more united than ever. This group is strong and has shown it. It's a situation we haven't gone through in a long time. Now we have to show that this is a real group," he told reporters after the loss.
"It's a very hard blow for everyone, we didn't expect to start like this. Things happen for a reason. We have to prepare for what's coming, we have to win and it depends on us."

In A Bigger Picture

Source: Gettyimages

Argentina's defeat was their first in their opening World Cup match since 1990 - when they reached the final - and uncomfortable questions have been raised for the South Americans and their talented captain. They are considered to be the favorites of the tournament, but despite losing in the opening match of the campaign, they still have everything to fight for as they can still advance to the knockout stages.

What Next For Argentina?

Source: en.as

La Albiceleste still has two games left in the group stage and will return to play against Mexico on Saturday, followed by a clash with Poland on November 30.