Lionel Messi: Stunning Footage Emerges of Young Fans Reacting After Meeting Star Before Saudi Arabia Game

• Lionel Messi has not had the best start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup after Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia
• The Paris Saint-Germain star netted the opener for the two-time champions as they suffered an embarrassing defeat
• Messi gave young mascots at the game the moment of their life after shaking hands with the children before the match

A group of young mascots could not help it after meeting Lionel Messi for the first time, before the Argentina captain led his team for their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.

Messi failed to inspire Argentina, with Saudi Arabia coming from a goal down to shock the two-time world champions.

In a video posted on social media, Messi had a number of young fans in delirium just before the game, after he high-fived and shook hands with them as he walked onto the pitch.

Injury scare as Lionel Messi’s swollen ankle raises tension for Argentina

Football

The heartwarming moment left the mascots screaming and chanting Messi's name.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or netted the opener after ten minutes, when he converted from the spot for Argentina in the Group D opener.

However, Saudi Arabia levelled after the break through Saleh Al-Shehri before Salem Al-Dawsari stunned the South Americans with a belter.

Messi will lead Argentina into their second group game against Mexico on Saturday, November 26, before finishing off Group D with a game against Poland.

The Paris Saint-Germain star is hoping to win the World Cup for the first time in his career.

Argentine media blasts Lionel Messi

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Argentinian press have hit out at Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni, after the shock World Cup defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Watch Argentina fans celebrate before playing Group C opener against Saudi Arabia

Football

The South American giants were considered favourites to win the biggest football tournament in Qatar.

However, the Copa America champions were stunned at the Lusail Stadium, after the Green Falcons staged an impressive comeback to triumph 2-1 on Tuesday.

Messi makes World Cup record

Messi recorded his name in the history books on November 22, becoming the first Argentine to score at 4 different World Cup tournaments.

The former Barcelona captain achieved this feat when he scored against Saudi Arabia, in the opening Group C game at the current Mundial tournament.

Going into this game, there were serious concerns about the fitness of Messi, but the seven-time Ballon d'Or eventually made the starting lineup.