Messi Left Speechless as Argentina’s Olympics Opener Descends into Chaos
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine captain, expressed his shock and disbelief after his team’s shocking 1-2 defeat to Morocco in their Olympics opener. The match was marred by controversy, as fans invaded the pitch, protesting a disputed equalizer in added time, forcing the game to be suspended twice.
The Atlas Lions, led by Soufiane Rahimi, took the lead twice – once in the 45+2 minute and again from the penalty spot. Argentina pulled one back through Giovanni Simeone, but it seemed like they were on course to earn a draw until the dramatic equalizer in the 16th minute of added time. However, the jubilation was short-lived, as the stadium erupted into chaos, with fans storming the pitch, throwing objects, and invading the field.
The match was suspended, and the teams were forced to leave the field. After order was restored, officials decided to complete the remaining seconds of the match behind closed doors. Messi, who wasn’t part of the Olympics squad due to the three-senior-player limit, took to Instagram to express his surprise, posting the word "Insolito" (unusual or uncommon) in Spanish.
A Circus, Not Football
Argentina coach Javier Mascherano was left stunned by the events, describing the match as "the biggest circus I have ever seen in my life." The 37-year-old Messi, who recently won the Copa America 2024 title, had to watch from the sidelines, having suffered an ankle injury during the final. The three senior players in the Argentine squad – Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Geronimo Rulli – were part of the team that took the field.
As the dust settles on this shocking opener, one thing is clear: the Olympics are not just about the football. The drama, the passion, and the unpredictability of the sport took center stage, leaving fans and players alike scratching their heads.
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