For Lionel Messi, this World Cup, and the historic upset with Saudi Arabia, is about so much more than soccer. It's about whether or not he can finally come back home to Argentina as a hero.

Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano — who both play for German clubs — subbed in and put balls past goalie Manuel Neuer after the 76th minute. Their coach called it "a historic moment, a historic victory."

Lionel Messi's quest to win the one major title to elude him had a shocking start in what may be his final World Cup, as Saudi Arabia scored twice in a five-minute span of the second half and won 2-1.

Seven European national soccer teams, including England and Wales, said their team captains would not wear the armbands because they feared on-field punishment by World Cup organizers.

Ever since FIFA awarded the world's biggest sporting event to Qatar in 2010, the soccer tournament has been clouded by bribery, migrant deaths and questions about the country's human rights record.

In an extraordinary opening news conference before the World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the host country's decision to ban beer at stadiums and Qatar's human rights record.

Just two days before the World Cup is set to kick off, FIFA announced that only non-alcoholic beer will be sold at the 64 matches in Qatar. The tournament is sponsored by Budweiser.

Blatter, who has long said he voted for the United States, made the admission in his first major interview since being acquitted in July of financial misconduct at FIFA.

Up to 1,600 fans of qualifying teams will be put up for at least two weeks to join the opening ceremony and promote positive social media content about the soccer tournament and the host nation.

The United States drew a spot in Group B, meaning the men's soccer team will face off against England, Iran and the winner of a European playoff — setting up a challenging run for the U.S. squad.