Their clash with Morocco was marred by chaos, with the game being suspended for around 90 minutes due to crowd disturbances. Argentina thought they had snatched a last-gasp draw through Cristian Medina's stoppage-time strike.
But the celebrations were cut short as bottles and firecrackers were hurled from the stands, followed by a pitch invasion by Moroccan supporters, prompting Argentine players to make a hasty retreat. The match was halted until the stadium was cleared.
When play eventually restarted in an empty stadium, the drama continued as Argentina's equaliser was disallowed for offside following a VAR review during the interruption, leaving Morocco with a 2-1 victory.
Amidst the controversy on the pitch, Mascherano disclosed further distress off it, revealing that personal items were stolen from the team in Paris. Ex-Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Mascherano highlighted that Thiago Almada, the ex-MLS standout, was among those targeted by thieves.
"Yesterday they entered our training and robbed us. Thiago Almada was missing a watch, rings, and everything at training at the Olympics. We didn't want to say anything after training," Mascherano told ESPN FC.
He went on to describe the encounter with Morocco as "the biggest circus I have seen in my life".
"Today they invaded the field seven times and then threw fireworks at us," he continued, "They told us it ended 22. Even Morocco didn't want to play."
Nicolas Otamendi, the Argentine defender, took to social media to express his frustration: "Thank you all for the support and messages. We come to compete as we always did, wherever the place is, as a local or visitor."
"But what happened today makes you angry and helpless. That this type of event happens in an event as important as the Olympic Games where an Olympic medal is in dispute."
"For our part, it is time to look forward and think about Saturday. More united than ever. Let's go Argentina."
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