"Could've resigned" - Fans blame Messi's former teammate Mascherano as Argentina begin Paris Olympics with defeat against Morocco

Fans blamed Lionel Messi's former teammate and current Argentina manager for the Olympic games, Javier Mascherano, after La Albiceleste went down 2-1 to Morocco to begin their campaign. They came from two goals behind to nick a very late draw in their tournament opener, but their second goal was controversially ruled out.

Argentina were firm favorites against Morocco, who won the under-23 AFCON to qualify for the Olympics. The coach had also seen his team struggle at the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2023, getting eliminated from the Round of 16.

The Argentina U23 side did not have the magic of Lionel Messi with them in Saint-Etienne as they struggled against Morocco. The performance and result were deemed as unsatisfactory by some fans, who blamed Mascherano.

A fan opined that the manager could have opted against continuing with the team, writing:

"Mascherano could have resigned and walked out had he wanted to pull out. Argentina can still pull out a 2-2 draw, there is enough time left."

Another fan concurred with the sentiment that the team was not performing well in the game.

"I am watching the game they aren’t playing well tbh."

Another fan criticized Lionel Messi's recommendations.

"Messi's recommendations are not always good."

A fan shared that the players, not just the manager, were at fault for the poor performance.

"I'm sorry but the players are dead its not just on Mascherano...."

Argentina almost struck twice in the second half to escape with a point but had their late equalizer ruled out in controversial circumstances. The South Americans will next face Iraq in their quest to pick up their first three points of the Games.

Argentina fight back but lose to Morocco in Group B opener

Argentina showed grit and determination but couldn't come away with a point from their clash against Morocco. The South American giants went two goals down and could only score one legitimate goal in reply.

Morocco took the lead against the Argentine side captained by Nicolas Otamendi in the first-half stoppage time through Soufiane Rahimi. The striker doubled his and his side's tally six minutes into the second half, putting them firmly in control.

The South Americans pulled one back through Giuliano Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, in the 68th minute. Midfielder Cristian Medina thought he had headed home an equaliser for La Albiceleste in the 15th minute of added time but it was ruled out later.