'Biggest circus I've ever seen': Mascherano Blasts After MAJOR Controversies in Argentina vs Morocco

The City of Lights would never have thought that the 33rd Summer Games would begin under the worst of circumstances. On the opening day of the Paris Olympics, scandal has erupted on the very first day with things heating up between Argentina players, Morocco players and their supporters. The 33rd Summer Games are anticipated of a lot, particularly considering the organisers' mindful approach, however the way the Summer Games started has been disappointing.

Argentina lost 2-1 at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in France on July 24, 2024, the last encounter.  By the completion of 90 minutes, Morocco kept a 2-1 lead; 15 minutes of injury time then ensued. Late equaliser scored by Argentine player Cristian Medina would have meant a 2-2 draw. But the game was cut short as enraged Moroccan supporters started to invade the stadium.

After around two hours, a VAR assessment cancelled Argentina's equaliser, declaring it offside, therefore suspending the game. The last three plus minutes were spent with players returning to the pitch in an empty stadium once the situation under control. Morocco prevailed 2-1 at last to mark the climax in one of the most controversial football matches in the history of the sport so far.

Argentina’s U-23 coach Javier Mascherano made a huge statement about Paris Olympics 2024 match between Argentina and Morocco 

Javier Mascherano, the manager of the Argentina U23 team, made a statement on the disallowed late equaliser in La Albiceleste's 2-1 defeat to Morocco in their first match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The match, which took place on July 24, 2024, at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in France, signalled a poor beginning for the reigning winners of the 2024 Copa America.

At the onset of injury time, Morocco held a one-goal advantage in the encounter. An further 15 minutes were allocated, during which Cristian Medina seemed to score a vital equaliser for Argentina, perhaps bringing the game to a 2-2 tie. Nevertheless, the contest was interrupted by Moroccan fans who invaded the pitch.

The game was temporarily halted, and following an extensive two-hour review by VAR, it was conclusively ruled that Medina's goal was in violation of the offside rule, so invalidating the equalising goal. After order was reinstated and the stadium was emptied, the remaining few minutes of the game were played at a vacant venue, confirming Morocco's 2-1 triumph.

Referees took the players from the pitch due to a crowd disturbance, while alerts were broadcast on the stadium displays, according to BBC. The screens read: 

“Your session has been suspended. Please make your way to the nearest exit.”

After Argentina’s loss, the former Liverpool star and current Argentina U-23 coach,  Javier Mascherano said: 

“The biggest circus I've ever seen in my life.”

“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," added Javier Mascherano ( (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X).

Argentina will compete against Iraq in their next match at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 27th. Argentina's prospects in the competition heavily rely on their ability to provide a formidable performance in this encounter.