Messi takes Argentina ahead from a spot-kick

Lionel Messi got his and Argentina's World Cup campaign off to a perfect start with a spot-kick in the 10 th minute against Saudi Arabia in their Group C opener at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on Tuesday.

The penalty was awarded by the referee following a VAR check after Al Bulayahi fouled Leandro Paredes in the box. Messi stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home, sending the Saudi keeper the wrong way. 

Messi, 35, who also nearly scored with a shot from inside the box in the opening minutes at the Lusail Stadium, celebrated joyfully after sending Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais the wrong way with his coolly-dispatched penalty.