history of the world cup. saudi arabia had won only three games previously ever at the world cup. and only one in the last 28 years before yesterday s victory over the two-time champions. lionel messi who had given argentina the lead before the saudis came back to win 2-1 is playing at what is likely his last world cup and chasing the one major title that has eluded him. cheers rang out across the arab world which until yesterday had not seen the arab country win a game at this tournament. the first world cup ever to be held in the middle east. saudi arabia s king salman declared today a national holiday in celebration of that improbable victory. there s also drama surrounding one of the biggest stars.