Lionel Messi‘s reaction after Argentina’s loss to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup was caught on camera, with the superstar’s slumped posture questioned by fans.
Despite Lionel Scaloni’s side being named one of the tournament favourites ahead of the showpiece, they were defeated by the minnows in their Group C opener.
Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Argentina, looking to press home their advantage, saw three goals ruled out for offside across the 90 minutes.
However, Saudi Arabia engineered a stunning turnaround in a 10-minute period after half-time, with Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari finding the net in wild scenes.
Argentina, of course, lifted the infamous Jules Rimet trophy after beating France on penalties in a thrilling final, a game in which Messi scored twice.
Lionel Messi after Argentina’s loss vs. Saudi Arabia.pic.twitter.com/d2CdAxqEan
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) February 21, 2024
Argentina fell to a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening 2022 World Cup group game
Lionel Messi was caught on camera slouching in the dressing room, seemingly in disbelief
But before jubilation came misery, encapsulated by Messi’s sheer disbelief after their first game – and social media users have scrutinised his full-time reaction.
Their main takeaway, though, appears to have been the talisman’s poor posture.
‘That is the worst posture I’ve ever seen,’ one X user said. ‘Still the GOAT, though.’
Another wrote: ‘Best player in the world has this posture. Make of that what you will.’
‘I have the same posture as one of the greatest sportsmen ever,’ a third added.
A fourth then used the stance for personal inspiration, saying: ‘Not listening to anyone tell me if I have bad posture anymore if Messi sits like that.’
‘Look at the way he’s sitting. His posture is the worst I’ve ever seen,’ a fifth posted.
‘Kinda crazy how this guy is the undisputed GOAT of sport. This is why I say he’s all natural talent and that’s the way we like it.
‘Bums work on their posture. Geniuses don’t need that s***.’
