WE WON’T LEAVE FANS STRANDED

stay with Saudi football forever. We have created a new history for this country and this region.”

But Messi, feted to emulate Diego Maradona and lift the trophy

(above), tried to raise the morale of Argentina’s shattered squad and fans by insisting they can still reach the knockout stages.

They now play Mexico in a must-win game on Saturday and the 35-year-old added: “It is more important than ever that we trust each other.

“This is a hard blow for everyone. For the fans, the people back home and for us, who did not expect to start in this way. But we must now trust that this same group will not leave Argentina stranded.

“We are going to look to win both games. It all depends on us., but we have already played games with the same pressures and managed to keep our footing.” South

America’s champions had been unbeaten in 36 games stretching back three years.

Saudi Arabia, ranked 51 in the world, last reached the second round in 1994 and were beaten 5-0 in their opening game by Russia four years ago.

In the 2002 finals, they were also embarrassed 8-0 by Germany.

But Frenchman Renard added: “Today all the stars in the sky were in the same line for us. We had a fantastic team and this is football. Sometimes something completely crazy can happen.”

The Saudi King has declared a public holiday for today.

But Renard claimed he allowed his heroes just a short celebration postmatch before focusing their minds on the games against Mexico and Poland.

He added: “We had a good celebration for 20 minutes and that’s all.

Still two games and more to come.”