Chaos and confusion took center stage on Wednesday when Morocco triumphed over Argentina 2-1 in the opening match of the men's Olympic football tournament, but not before a late equalizer for the South American team was controversially disallowed and the closing moments were played in an empty stadium due to crowd disturbances. Argentina believed they had secured a 2-2 draw in the Group B match in Saint-Etienne when Cristian Medina found the net in the 16th minute of stoppage time. However, as the players celebrated, objects such as bottles and plastic cups were hurled from the stands and several fans stormed the pitch, prompting the referee to call a halt. The teams retreated from the field, but with the full-time whistle not yet blown, the match's conclusion remained uncertain until the players returned two hours later to complete three additional minutes in a now-empty stadium. Medina's goal was ultimately ruled out for offside after a VAR review, allowing Morocco to secure a crucial victory.
This marked a chaotic beginning to the sporting events at the Paris Games and a disappointing day for Argentina, who faced jeers from the crowd as they took the field and during the national anthems, with most spectators backing Morocco. This hostile reception followed reports of Argentina players engaging in racist chants after their recent Copa America win. Argentina, aiming for their third men's football gold following triumphs in 2004 and 2008, found themselves trailing 2-0 thanks to a brace from Soufiane Rahimi. Morocco's captain, Achraf Hakimi, a standout player from Paris Saint-Germain, assisted Rahimi for the first goal in a skillful move during first-half stoppage time. The African Under-23 champions extended their lead from the penalty spot six minutes into the second half, with Rahimi coolly converting after Ilias Akhomach was fouled. Argentina's coach, Javier Mascherano, a gold medalist in Athens and Beijing, had considered including Lionel Messi among the three overage players allowed in his otherwise U-23 squad. Messi chose not to participate, leaving Manchester City's Julian Alvarez and Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi as the team's key players. Simeone, son of former Argentina star Diego, scored a consolation goal midway through the second half. Medina thought he had secured a draw in the 106th minute, but his header was disallowed, denying Argentina a crucial point.
Meanwhile, silver medalists Spain started their quest for gold with a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Group C at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The Spanish team included two members of their Euro 2024-winning squad, Alex Baena and Fermin Lopez, but it was Marc Pubill who opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark. Uzbekistan equalized from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after a foul by Pau Cubarsi, with Eldor Shomurodov converting the kick. Cubarsi, a promising 17-year-old from Barcelona, was booked early and did not return for the second half. Sergio Gomez missed a penalty early in the second half but secured Spain's winning goal shortly after the hour mark, finishing off a pass from Juan Miranda. In other Group C action, Egypt and the Dominican Republic played out a goalless draw.
