Saudi Arabia declares public holiday over shocking win against Argentina

Saudi Arabia has declared a public holiday after their historic 2 – 1 win over Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the FIFA Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The public holiday is scheduled to be observed on Wednesday, 23rd November 2022.

According to Arabnews, King Salman approved a suggestion made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to celebrate the national team’s victory with a holiday.

All public and private sector employees and students at all educational stages will be given a holiday.

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The Saudis celebrated beating the South Americans in the opening game of Group C as they stopped Lionel Messi and his teammates, bringing an end to the Argentine’s  36-game unbeaten run.

Lionel Messi, 35, opened the scoring for Argentina in what is likely to be his last chance to win the World Cup before he retires.

But Saudi Arabia completed an incredible comeback in the second half, Saleh Alsheri scored the equalizer in the 48th minute before Salem Aldawseri scored the decider five minutes later.

Saudi fans celebrated by performing Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siu’ celebration in front of distraught Argentines outside the Lusail Stadium.

‘Where is Messi?’ one Saudi fan said in a video posted by ESPN, using his hands to mimic the use of a pair of binoculars. ‘I don’t see him! Tell me if he is here or not, I do not see him!’

The other match in Group C between Poland and Mexico ended in a stalemate, with Poland’s all-time goal scorer Robert Lewandowski missing a seconf-half penalty.

Saudi Arabia faces Lewandowski’s Poland next, as Argentina clashes with Mexico.