"We didn't want to say anything after training" - Javier Mascherano claims Argentina team were robbed while at training at the Olympics
Argentina U-23 coach Javier Mascherano has claimed that his team were robbed while training at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The incident purportedly happened ahead of La Albiceleste's 2-1 loss against Morocco in the competition's opening match on July 24 at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne
By the end of 90 minutes, Morocco were leading 2-1 and 15 minutes of injury time were added on. Boca Juniors midfielder Cristian Medina scored a late equalizer for the Argentinians, which would have seen the match end in a 2-2 draw. However, the game had to be temporarily suspended when angry Moroccan fans swarmed the field.
After about two hours, a VAR check ruled out Argentina's equalizer, declaring it to be offside. After the situation was under control, the match continued for the remaining three-plus minutes with players returning to the pitch in an empty stadium. The clash finally ended in a 2-1 win for Morocco.
After the controversial match, Mascherano spoke about the alleged robbery during their training the pevious day. He said (via @ESPNFC on X):
"Yesterday they entered our training and robbed us. Thiago Almada was missing a watch, rings, and everything at training at the Olympics. We didn't want to say anything after training."
VAR's decision to rule out Argentina's equalizer has been frowned upon and criticized by a lot of fans, players, and experts.
Javier Mascherano opens up after Argentina's loss in 2024 Paris Olympics opening match
Javier Mascherano shared his experience about the situation leading up to VAR ruling out Argentina's late equalizer in their 2024 Paris Olympics opener against Morocco. The former Barcelona star said (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):
"I don’t know what happened. We were in the locker room for almost an hour and a half. At no point were we informed about what could happen. As a player, I’ve never experienced security failing seven times in a match at this level. It was a disgrace."
"Today, they invaded the pitch seven times and then threw fireworks at us. They told us the match was finished 2-2. Neither we nor Morocco wanted to continue playing."
Referring to the situation as a "circus," Javier Mascherano added:
"The biggest circus I've ever seen in my life."
Argentina will face Iraq next at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 27.