The first incident of the Qatar World Cup 2022! Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1. The Albiceleste lost their opening match for the first time since the 1990 World Cup. In the first half of the match, Lionel Messi’s penalty goal led Argentina. However, in the second half, Saudi Arabia broke Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten record with 2 goals in a span of 5 minutes.
Messi was undefeated in 36 consecutive matches. They last lost to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America final. Lionel Scaloni’s side are unbeaten since then. Copa America, World Cup qualifiers, and FIFA friendlies – they have not lost a match. Meanwhile, they won the title by defeating Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final.
Losing to Saudi Arabia was not the only defeat for Argentina after a 36-game unbeaten run. For the first time since the 1958 World Cup, the team lost a 1-goal lead, against Germany. Besides, they lost after leading in the first half for the first time since the first World Cup in 1930.
Italy holds the record of being unbeaten in 37 matches. They set this record in 2021.
After a goalless draw with Switzerland in Basel in September 2021, Italy’s record unbeaten run of three consecutive years and 37 matches was established. The Italians’ run then came to a screeching halt after a 2-1 loss to Spain at the UEFA Nations Cup in October. Argentina and Italy overtook Brazil. Who had previously set a record of 35 consecutive matches unbeaten?