World Cup fans are convinced Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia on purpose… for a very clever reason. Lionel Scaloni’s side went into their Group C opener on a 36-game unbeaten run that began three years ago.

But one of the pre-tournament favorites was beaten by goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari as the first half ended 1-0 in favor of the Blue and Whites after Lionel Messi’s penalty.

Saudi Arabia’s shock victory is one of the most remarkable results in World Cup history and throws Argentina’s hopes of a third title into doubt.

However, some fans on Twitter believe the defeat could be part of a plan by the Albiceleste. That’s because if Argentina wins Group C and Brazil wins Group G – as expected – then the South American arch-rivals would meet in the semi-finals on December 13.

But if Argentina were to finish second in their group behind one of Saudi Arabia, Mexico or Poland, they would face one of France and England and potentially Brazil in the final.

And conspiracy theorists were out in force on social media following the Saudi victory over the Copa America champions. One wrote: “Argentina will be fine – they’ll win their next two games but if they finish second in that group they avoid Brazil, honestly that’s what I want to see.”

Another said: “Argentina deliberately finish second so they are on the easier side of the knockout stage and don’t face Brazil in the semi-finals…”.

A third quipped: “Chess 4D here from Argentina trying to fend off Brazil in the semis.” And one recent user commented: “This is just setting us up for a Brazil-Argentina final now.”