Ighalo Spotted in Stadium VIP Section As Messi Failed To Inspire Argentina in Loss to Saudi Arabia

• Odion Ighalo was right inside the stadium when Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina 2-1 in a World Cup Group C match
• Two goals in the second half by Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari cancelled out Lionel Messi’s first-half strike
• At half time, Ighalo, who was there to cheer his Al-Hilal teammates, was spotted in the stadium’s VIP section

Nigerian international Odion Ighalo was inside the Lusail Stadium in Qatar when Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in a Group C opener at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The world was stunned on Tuesday afternoon, November 22, as Lionel Messi failed to inspire his side to a much needed victory, although he opened the scoring from the spot.

VAR handed the South Americans a penalty, and the Paris Saint-Germain captain stepped up to slot home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Footage of how fans reacted angrily after Leo Messi was fouled in warm up game against UAE emerges

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But The Falcons turned the game around in the second half, scoring two goals in five minutes to eventually win the encounter.

Saleh Al-Shehri drew his side level in the 49th minute courtesy of a fine strike before Salem Al Dawsari made it 2-1 five minutes later.

Argentina was made to rue their missed opportunities andwith that they have started the global showpiece on a losing note.

Meanwhile, at half-time, Odion Ighalo, who was in the stands, then moved into the VIP section specially reserved for Qatari businessmen.

The former Manchester United striker currently plays for Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and is equally happy for some of his club teammates.

Argentina coach under attack

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that Manchester United fans were up in arms on social media as they blasted Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni for snubbing Lisandro Martinez for 34-year-old Nicolas Otamendi in his side’s starting line-up to face Saudi Arabia.

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Ahead of the match, there was a surprise inclusion in the Argentina backline as Benfica centre-back Otamendi was picked to keep out the Middle East opposition.

The decision was not very alarming initially, as Argentina looked like heavy favourites for the game on paper.