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

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

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/23/22

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).

Argentina was the most-bet team to win the World Cup @DKSportsbook with 25% of the handle

After today's loss to Saudi Arabia their World Cup winner odds dropped from +500 to +750 pic.twitter.com/ykIhAFkXcl
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) November 22, 2022

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.

Saudi Arabia gives Argentina its first loss since July 2019…

One bettor placed $333.33 on Saudi Arabia to win. Payout is $5.999.94 pic.twitter.com/u1zXrXrKg1
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) November 22, 2022

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.

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