Lionel Messi reacts on social media after Argentina's shock loss to Morocco in 2024 Paris Olympics opening clash
Lionel Messi reacted on social media in a shell-shocked manner after Argentina suffered a dramatic 1-2 loss against Morocco in their 2024 Paris Olympic opening clash.
La Albiceleste were down 2-1 when a massive 15-minute injury time was added at the end of 90 minutes. Cristian Medina looked to have scored a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw for his country.
However, the game was interrupted as fuming Moroccan fans entered the stadium. The match was temporarily suspended and after almost two hours, a VAR check confirmed that the goal was ruled out due to offside.
The remaining three-plus minutes were played as players re-emerged in an empty stadium. The match ended as a 1-2 win in favor of Morocco, sparking a reaction from Lionel Messi on social media.
The Inter Miami forward wrote on his Instagram story:
"Insolito (Spanish)." "Unbelievable (English)."
Morocco took a 2-0 lead before it looked like Argentina had managed to secure a comeback. The late VAR decision, however, meant Morocco managed a 2-1 win in their favor.
The crowd interruption heated the situation and the referees took the players off the pitch. The signs on the stadium screens read (as per BBC):
"Your session has been suspended. Please make your way to the nearest exit."
Notable Argentina players in the Olympic squad as Lionel Messi is absent
Lionel Messi is not a part of Argentina's Olympic 2024 squad. The team, though, boast a few senior players in their ranks. Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamnedi, and Geronimo Rulli are in the squad and Otamendi is the captain.
Apart from the household names, youngsters like Claudio Echevierri, Thiago Almada, and more are part of the squad coached by Javier Mascherano. Their Paris 2024 campaign, has gotten off to a losing start.
Their next game is against Iraq on July 27 and Mascherano's side need a positive result to keep their hopes alive. After finishing second in the CONMEBOL pre-Olympic tournament, La Albiceleste arrived at the competition as one of the favorites for gold.