"The biggest circus I've ever seen in my life" - Javier Mascherano reacts after Argentina's late equalizer gets ruled out in 2024 Olympics clash
Argentina U2 manager Javier Mascherano shared his opinion on La Albiceleste's late equalizer against Morocco got ruled out in their opening clash of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for the 2024 Copa America champions on July 24, 2024, at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in France.
At the end of 90 minutes, Morocco had a one-goal lead, and a 15-minute injury time was added. Cristian Medina found a late equalizer for La Albiceleste, which would have ended the match in a 2-2 draw. However, the game was interrupted as angry Moroccan fans entered the stadium.
The match was temporarily suspended and after about two hours, a VAR check ruled out Argentina's equalizer, declaring it to be offside. After the situation was under control, the remaining three-plus minutes were played as players re-emerged in an empty stadium. The clash finally ended in a 2-1 win for Morocco.
The crowd interruption resulted in the referees escorting the players off the pitch while the signs on the stadium screens read (as per BBC):
"Your session has been suspended. Please make your way to the nearest exit."
After La Albiceleste's frustrating loss, Javier Mascherano said (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):
"The biggest circus I've ever seen in my life."
VAR's decision to rule out La Albiceleste's equalizer has disappointed a lot of fans and experts.
Lionel Messi on social media after Argentina's loss in 2024 Paris Olympics opening clash
After Argentina's 2-1 loss against Morocco in the 2024 Paris Olympics opening clash, Lionel Messi shared his reaction on social media. The Barcelona legend shared a story on his Instagram, that read:
"Insolito (Spanish)." "Unbelievable (English)."
Lionel Messi is not a part of La Albiceleste's Olympic 2024 squad which has defender Nicolás Otamendi as captain. He recently helped the senior side win the Copa America 2024, beating Colombia in the final.
Meanwhile, Argentina, along with Iraq, Morocco, and Ukraine, have been sorted into Group B for the 2024 Paris Olympics. La Albiceleste's next game is against Iraq on July 27, where they need to do well in order to continue their run in the competition.