The Peninsula
Saudi Arabian fan Abdullah Al Ayyadah set the social media on fire with his "Where is Messi?" question. Green-clad and fashioned with white rimmed sunglasses, he made the iconic words famous when he approached a South Korean reporter broadcasting live on the grounds of Lusail Stadium after a shell-shocking 2-1 victory of the Green Falcons against Argentina.
Ayyadah appeared on the frame apparently looking for something before saying, "Excuse me. Where is Messi?"
Saudi Arabia's win in the tournament's opener was then rated as the biggest shock in World Cup history.
Now that the FIFA World Cup is down to its last two matches, sans the Green Falcons who didn't advance to the Round of 16, the clever trendsetter seemed to have a change of heart as he was spotted cheering "Vamos Argentina!!!"
"Today I am supporting Argentina because I promised my friends from Argentina that if you reach (the) finals I will support you...now Vamos Argentina!!," Ayyadah told a reporter outside Lusail Stadium after La Albiceleste's 3-0 win over Croatia takes them to the Finals.
"But! Where is Messi?!," he jokingly added.
The words "Where is Messi?" is arguably one of the most famous catchphrases at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Its massive popularity has spread nationwide and across the globe that when asked the question, people tend to respond with knowing smiles.
It also caught the attention of famous comedian Trevor Noah, the host of "The Daily Show". In a video shared on Ayyadah's Instagram page, the 38-year-old comedian mentioned the hilarious encounter as one of his favourite clips during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.