Ali Albulayhi Did Not Ask Lionel Messi To Convert to Islam

Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading. 

After Saudi Arabia's second goal against Argentina, the Saudi National Team player Ali Albulayhi confronted Lionel Messi, but did not ask him to convert to Islam.

The Clip’s Sound Was Digitally Added

Misbar discovered the audio heard in the video circulating in a 2014 YouTube video by ABP News Sports. 

"Convert and you'll go straight to heaven: Pak cricketer makes religious pitch to Lankan player," the video's title reads.

Pakistani cricket player Ahmed Shehzad was caught on video telling Sri Lankan player Tillakaratne Dilshan, "If you are a non-Muslim and turn Muslim, straight to heaven."

What Did Ali Albulayhi Say to Lionel Messi?

After scoring Saudi Arabia's second goal against Argentina, Ali Albulayhi slapped Lionel Messi on the back.

Ali Albulayhi revealed in a post-match interview that he repeatedly told Messi, "You won't win, you won't win."

Argentina’s World Cup Match Loss to Saudi Arabia

The claim emerged after Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina 2-1.

Argentina's 36-game winning streak came to an end with the loss to the Green Falcons.

Lionel Messi said after the match, "'There are no excuses. We are going to be more united than ever. This group is strong and they have shown it. It is a situation that we did not have to go through in a long time. Now we have to show that this is a real group."

Saudi Arabia led Group C of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after Mexico and Poland drew.

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