Argentina’s start to the Olympic football tournament ends in chaos. The association lodges a complaint with FIFA. Coaches and players complain. Even superstar Lionel Messi speaks out.
The chaotic start to the Olympic football tournament by the Argentinians shocked even vacationer Lionel Messi and is likely to have repercussions. “Unusual,” wrote world champion Messi on Instagram after the memorable match against Morocco (1:2) and posted an emoji with wide-open eyes. The Argentinians were outraged after the scandal at the start of the Olympics. Coach Javier Mascherano called it a “scandal,” and defender Nicolas Otamendi spoke of a “historic disgrace.” What happened in Saint-Étienne was embarrassing, wrote Argentinian media.
Argentines file complaint
The match with the XXL extra time may have further consequences. Argentina’s football association lodged a complaint with FIFA after the preliminary round match on Wednesday. The disciplinary committee of the world association should take action because of the incidents, they demanded. It was a “serious incident”. However, it is unlikely that the complaint will have consequences for the result of the match. When asked, FIFA referred the matter to the organizing committee of the Paris Games.
The Olympic organizers, meanwhile, announced that they would investigate the events in order to understand the causes and draw the necessary conclusions for the further course of the Summer Games.
Almost two hours of interruption
What exactly happened? Argentina had scored what appeared to be an equaliser in the 16th minute of stoppage time. Moroccan fans stormed onto the pitch in outrage at the length of stoppage time, meaning that play could not continue for the time being. For a long time it was unclear whether the match had finished or had just been interrupted. In addition, the goal that made it 2-2 was checked for a possible offside position using video evidence.
After almost two hours, the teams returned to the pitch in the now empty stadium. Both captains are said to have spoken out against continuing the game – to no avail. The Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg overturned the 2:2 after viewing the video images and allowed the remaining three minutes to play, after which the Moroccans’ 2:1 victory was confirmed.
Otamendi “angry” and “helpless”
What happened there makes you “angry” and “helpless,” wrote Argentina’s veteran Otamendi on social media. And that at the Olympic Games. Nevertheless, his team must now look forward, said the 36-year-old, who won the World Cup alongside Messi in Qatar in 2022. “More united than ever,” wrote Otamendi. The next game is against Iraq in Lyon on Saturday.
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
