Well, it wasn’t the start that Argentina was looking to make in the Paris Olympics 2024. La Albiceleste U-23 faced Group B rivals Morocco but endured a close 2-1 loss. That, however, wasn’t the only unfortunate incident for the Argentines as head coach Javier Mascherano revealed that star player Thiago Almada was ‘robbed’ while on duty for his nation.

The shocking incident transpired during one of the training sessions before the opening group stage match. Though it was something that the Argentines wanted to hide, the Barcelona icon eventually broke his silence in the post-match presser. As compiled by @juegosimple__, Mascherano said, “Yesterday they entered training and robbed us. Thiago Almada was missing a watch and rings. In training at the Olympic Games… We didn’t want to say anything, but that’s it. It’s no use.”

While expressing his sadness about the incident, the manager insisted on winning the next two games which will determine their place in the tournament. “Obviously we don’t like this kind of thing happening either. We do not intend for them to benefit us but we do not intend for them to make fun of us, as they did today. We have to turn the page and look for the two victories we need to win,” added Mascherano.

Notably, Iraq also clinched a similar win over Ukraine to join the three points party with Morocco. This makes it necessary for Mascherano’s side to clinch victories in the next two clashes against Ukraine and then Iraq. But coming back to the theft incident, the revelation might see the authorities investigate the matter.

Naturally, they must have thought not to reveal the robbery incident publicly, given the negative image it would create for the Olympic Committee. However, controversial decisions during the game must have forced them to break their silence.

Javier Mascherano’s Argentina was robbed during Paris Olympics action vs Morocco

Argentina found themselves trailing by two goals, with Morocco breaking the deadlock just before halftime and adding a second from the penalty spot at the start of the second half. However, substitute Giuliano Simeone scored for Argentina around the 60th minute. The referee added 15 minutes of stoppage time as they pushed for another goal. Cristian Medina managed to score the equalizer, but the moment was overshadowed by Moroccan fans invading the pitch and throwing firecrackers at the players.

Additionally, this forced the official to suspend the match for over an hour. When both teams returned to the pitch, the game resumed for just three minutes. Adding to Argentina’s woes, Medina’s late goal was ruled offside. Remarkably, the drama has left many renowned names in the soccer world in disbelief. Be that as it may, it seems like the Olympic Committee not only has Thiago Almada’s robbery to investigate but also looks into the chaos that saw the game suspended controversially.