Principal star of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi took to social media to express his thoughts on the confusion during the match between Argentina and Morocco, in the Olympic team’s debut for the Albiceleste in Paris 2024.
Through a story on Instagram, the number 10, who recently became a two-time Copa América champion, described the episode as “Unusual” and used an emoji with a surprised face.
Argentina debuted in the Paris Olympics with a 2-1 loss to Morocco on Wednesday (24), in Saint-Étienne, in the first match of both teams in men’s football. The confrontation was marked by confusion and disorganization.
After the second goal of the Albiceleste, scored at the 61st minute of the second half, the match was interrupted when fans invaded the pitch. Almost two hours after the confusion, VAR annulled the Argentine goal and ordered the game to restart.
After the VAR annulment, the teams played for another three minutes and the Moroccans managed to hold on to their lead to secure their first victory in Paris 2024.
Following the national team’s defeat, Argentine newspapers criticized the organization of the Paris Olympics.
In the sports daily Olé, the headline on the website referred to it as “Historic Debacle.” Meanwhile, Clarín, which featured the article on the match prominently on its front page, labeled the episode as “Scandal in Paris.”
The daily La Nación followed suit with the headline “Olympic Scandal.”
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Moroccan fans invaded the pitch after Argentina’s second goal Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
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The debut of the teams in the Paris Olympics was marked by true confusion Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
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A young fan wearing Lionel Messi’s shirt invaded the field during the match between Morocco and Argentina Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
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Another Moroccan who invaded the field is stopped by stadium security Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
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Julián Álvarez hugs the boy who invaded the pitch wearing Messi’s shirt Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
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The pitch at the stadium in Saint-Étienne was filled with bottles and items Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
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Rahimi scored the second from a penalty Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
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Moroccans celebrate Rahimi’s goal, who scored both in the victory over Argentina Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
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Argentina sought to equalize at 2-2 with Morocco in their debut in Paris, with Simeone and Medina, but VAR annulled the second goal after a 2-hour stoppage Credit: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images