Did we just witness France take revenge over Argentina for their 2022 FIFA World Cup final loss? The Paris Olympics 2024 quarterfinal clash between the two formidable sides recently saw the U23 sides of each nation face each other. In a surprising turn of events, it ended with the host nation progressing to the semifinals with a narrow win over Javier Mascherano’s La Albiceleste. Though it suggests things are even after what transpired a couple of years ago in Qatar, coach Thierry Henry begs to differ.

Speaking in the post-match interview with journalist Gastón Edul, the former French forward said, “We don’t take this match as revenge because the World Cup was with other teams. Having scored the goal quickly gave us a decision.” Seems like the World Cup beef is a different matter and for Henry, today’s victory which takes them to the next round is all that counts. Notably, the entire 90 minutes proved strenuous between the two sides.

France took the lead just 5 minutes into the match, courtesy of a well-executed finish from Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. Despite Javier Mascherano’s Argentina creating significant chances and maintaining 60% possession to level the score, the French defense managed to prevent any goals.

Both teams played a rough game, as evidenced by the 10 yellow cards issued by the referee—5 to France and 5 to Argentina. Additionally, Henry’s side committed 18 fouls throughout the match, compared to Mascherano and Co.’s 10. After the final whistle, French midfielder Enzo Millot received a red card, making him unavailable for the semifinal clash.

However, it is the aftermath that makes France vs Argentina a headliner as a 30-man brawl transpires between the two sides at the Bordeaux Stadium, forcing Henry to apologize on France’s behalf.

Thierry Henry issues an apology after massive brawl ensued during France vs Argentina in the Olympics

History keeps both sides at loggerheads but it wasn’t the exact note that Thierry Henry wanted the night to end on. After everything calmed down. the former Monaco boss reacted to the conflict saying, “I apologize for the final disturbance. It’s not what I wanted and I couldn’t control it. In fact, they kicked out a player.”

Apparently, the incident transpired after the referee blew the full-time whistle. The French substitutes and staff ran from the bench to celebrate, but soon after, an altercation began, prompting the stewards and security forces to quickly intervene. A large group of angry players moved towards the touchline and eventually swarmed down the tunnel, where further chaos ensued.

Although France’s players later celebrated their victory with the home crowd, they did so by taunting the Argentinian fans by jumping and chanting near them. This was likely a response to Argentinian supporters who had celebrated their 2022 World Cup win with a derogatory chant about France, widely condemned as racist, homophobic, and transphobic.

Furthermore, fans also didn’t spare the World Champions’ supporters as Argentina’s national anthem was booed before kickoff, as several Argentina players had previously been filmed singing the same derogatory song about France’s players of African origin after their Copa America final win.

Regardless, even though Thierry Henry condemns and denies they took their revenge, today’s events surely settle the score between the two formidable nations.