Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after losing to Saudi Arabia during a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Argentina's World Cup odds tumble after upset loss to Saudi Arabia

Just a couple of days into the FIFA World Cup, sportsbooks have already changed their tune about Lionel Messi and Argentina.

The Albicelestes entered the tournament as the second biggest favorites behind Brazil. However, their opening 2-1 upset loss to Saudi Arabia dropped them from +500 to +700. Now they sit at +850 at DraftKings behind Brazil (still the favorite at +300), France (+650), England (+650) and Spain (+700).

That's right: Argentina was the most bet team to win it all. Naturally, bettors aren't too happy with how things unfolded in their first match, unless they were one of the very few who bet big on Saudi Arabia. 

Of course, a lot of the heat is falling on Messi's shoulders in what is very likely the last World Cup appearance of his career. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has never scored a goal in the knockout round, and while he did score the lone goal for Argentina on Monday, the pressure on him to lead the team deep into the tournament has only gotten greater. 

Argentina next plays Mexico on Saturday.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pacers' Pascal Siakam leads team to Game 6 win vs. Knicks
Late goal sends Panthers to Eastern Conference Finals
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Report: Tua Tagovailoa away from Dolphins amid contract chatter
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Ex-teammate of Shohei Ohtani placed bets with same illegal bookmaker as interpreter 
Former Rams first-round pick retires from NFL after 11 seasons
Insider provides major injury update on Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles

Want more Saint-Germain news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.