Argentina’s loss against Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener means Lionel Scaloni’s men failed to equal Italy’s 37-game unbeaten run.
Roberto Mancini’s Italy remained unbeaten from October 2018 until October 2021 when they faced defeat in a Nations League semi-final against Spain at San Siro.
No other country has ever avoided defeat for a longer spell, but Argentina were close to equalling the Azzurri’s record as they faced Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener today after an unbeaten run of 36 matches.
The South Americans took the lead through a penalty kick converted by their captain Leo Messi, but Saudia Arabia completed a shocking comeback scoring twice in the space of five minutes in the second half.
Serie A stars Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez started the game and the Inter striker had a goal disallowed.
Argentina will face Mexico and Poland in the next two group-stage games.