"Historical joke of a game", "No Messi, so no referee help" - Fans react as Argentina lose opening 2024 Olympics clash to Morocco

Fans have reacted on X after Argentina U23 lost 2-1 to Morocco U23 in their Paris 2024 Olympics clash earlier today (Wednesday, July 24). Many supporters blasted the match officials after the game was delayed for more than an hour in which La Albiceleste's late leveler was controversially ruled out.

Morocco took the lead in the second minute of stoppage time just before half-time via Soufiane Rahimi. The 28-year-old completed his brace in the 51st minute, converting his penalty to give his nation a commanding lead.

Despite trailing by two goals at Saint-Etienne, Argentina bravely fought back, with Giuliano Simeone scoring in the 68th minute. A staggering 15 minutes were added at the end of the second half in which La Albiceleste managed to grab an equalizer after a frantic attack towards the end of the game. Cristian Medina was on target to make it 2-2, sending fans into a frenzy.

Unfortunately, some fans, who were furious with their late goal, decided to throw multiple objects, including firecrackers at the Argentine players and fans. This led to the game being suspended for over an hour with the players rushing off the field into the dressing room.

During this break, Medina's goal was shockingly ruled out by VAR due to Bruno Amione being in an offside in the build-up to the goal. Both sides returned to the pitch to play out the final three minutes of the game in which Morocco held on to their lead to win the clash 2-1.

One fan slammed VAR's decision to rule out the goal, tweeting:

"Historical joke of a game"

Another fan reckons the referee didn't help them because Lionel Messi didn't feature in the U23's fixture:

"No Messi, so no referee help"

Other reactions can be viewed below:

"FT: Argentina 1-2 Morocco. Argentina's opening group stage game of the Olympics ends in DEFEAT!" one fan posted

"They were robbed guys," another insisted

"First time they didn’t rob anyone," one fan tweeted

"This has never happened in football before. Always Argentina," another chimed in

"Finally Justice for Morocco. Football won," one fan typed

"MOTHER OF GOD ONE OF THE MOST ABSURD THINGS EVER, THAT’S NOT A FOOTBALL," another claimed

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How did Argentina fare in their 2024 Olympics defeat against Morocco?

While the senior squad recently won the 2024 Copa America, the Argentina U23s struggled in their 2-1 loss to Morocco at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Let's take a quick look at the stats to see how both teams performed:

La Albiceleste dominated possession with 54 percent of the ball, completing 447 passes out of an attempted 516 with an accuracy of 87 percent. In contrast, Morocco had 46 percent possession and completed 369 out of an attempted 440 passes with an accuracy of 84 percent.

Javier Mascherano's side also had the edge up front, landing 14 shots with four being on target. They also hit the woodwork once but were guilty of missing one big chance. Meanwhile, Morocco landed seven shots with three being on target.

La Albiceleste will next face Iraq at the 2024 Olympics on July 27.