Lionel Messi has expressed his shock and disbelief at the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the Olympic Games opening fixture between Argentina and Morocco. The match was marred by a series of unprecedented incidents, including a pitch invasion, missiles thrown at players, and a controversial VAR decision that disallowed an equalizing goal for Argentina. Messi, who was not involved in the match, took to social media to react to the mayhem, posting “Insolito” (meaning “unbelievable” or “uncommon”) on his Instagram story.
The match was halted for an hour due to a pitch invasion by Moroccan fans, causing a significant delay and disruption to the game. Furthermore, Argentine players were targeted with missiles, including firecrackers and explosive devices, thrown by the French crowd. The most contentious moment came when a VAR decision disallowed an equalizing goal for Argentina, sparking outrage among the players and fans. The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has since filed a formal complaint to FIFA’s disciplinary commission, seeking action against the Moroccan team and the officials involved.
Messi’s reaction captures the sentiment of many in the football community, who were left stunned by the extraordinary events that transpired during the match. The chaos and controversy have raised concerns about player safety, crowd control, and the use of VAR technology in high-stakes matches. As the Olympic Games continue, organizers and officials will be under pressure to ensure that such incidents do not recur, and that the focus remains on the sport rather than the controversy surrounding it.
