Saudi Arabia celebrate World Cup group opener victory with national holiday

Saudi Arabia has announced a holiday to celebrate the kingdom’s unexpected, historic victory against Argentina in the World Cup Group B opener on Tuesday.

Riyadh declared that Wednesday will be a day off for all employees in all government and private sectors, and for students in all educational stages.

"King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud directed to approve… that tomorrow, Wednesday, corresponding… will be a holiday… on the occasion of the Saudi national team’s victory against Argentine national team in the World Cup," state media Saudi Press Agency reported.

The request was proposed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, following the Saudi win.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia become the first Muslim country to win a game at this World Cup by defeating one of the tournament favourites, Argentina. pic.twitter.com/pj21t6swpF

— • (@Alhamdhulillaah) November 22, 2022

In their daunting group opener, Saudi Arabia faced two-time champions Argentina - one of the favourites to win the World Cup and ranked 50 places above the Green Falcons.

The victory has thrilled the kingdom, and fans across the globe, who labelled the Saudi national team’s performance as "extraordinary".

After the Saudi national team wins over the Argentine national team

Saudi fans: Where is Messi? We broke his eye.

Saudi fans: Where is Messi? We broke his eye.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣#Messi𓃵 #SaudiArabia_Argentina #ميسي #أخضرنا_قبل_الكل #الأمير_محمد_بن_سلمان #السعوديه_الارجنتين pic.twitter.com/6U9cUVSdAP

— 🇺🇸Dr. Ahmad Thomas🇵🇸 (@ahmadthomas111) November 22, 2022

Many congratulated Saudi for the "wonderful win", capturing scenes of sheer joy among Saudi fans watching the event unfold.

Congratulations Saudi Arabia on wonderful win against Argentina. Don't miss the moment.#ARGvsKSA #ARGKSA #FIFAWorldCup #السعوديه_الارجنتين pic.twitter.com/EbaYk0LyYx

— Asad Malik (@asadn_50) November 22, 2022

In true millennial fashion, many resorted to making memes about the win.

Saudi Arabia really pulled a win over Argentina 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/GqGZpBq0Mx

— alee (@simplyaleeee) November 22, 2022

Fans played on Messi being referred to as the 'GOAT' – greatest of all time – before showing who they put forward as a Saudi man roasting a goat on a skewer for dinner.

بالله شفتي كيف احرجت ميسي؟ pic.twitter.com/egOTlwPlRE

— M (@8carelesss) November 22, 2022

"Swear, did you see how I embarrassed Messi," another meme shows, used to depict a Saudi man talking to a love interest.