Overseas Fans Schadenfreude Over Argentina’s Loss: No Messi So No Referee Favoritism, Morocco Delivers Justice

On July 25, in the first round of Group B of the Olympic men’s football tournament, Argentina suffered a shocking 1-2 loss to Morocco. After the match, overseas fans gloated over Argentina’s defeat, claiming that without Messi, the team lost the favoritism of the referees.

This game was highly controversial. In the dying moments of an extended stoppage time, Argentina mounted a series of attacks and Medina headed the ball into an empty net, seemingly setting the stage for a 2-2 draw. However, during the VAR review of the goal’s validity, fans threw objects onto the pitch and even invaded it, causing the match to be suspended. After a two-hour interruption, play resumed and the goal was ruled invalid. This decision sparked unanimous dissatisfaction among the Argentine squad.

However, online fans reveled in schadenfreude: “Without Messi, you no longer get the referee’s favor,” “It’s the first time Argentina hasn’t robbed their opponents,” “This is unprecedented; all previous decisions benefited Argentina,” “Morocco delivered justice, football won.”

A prominent football tweeter wrote: “After 90 minutes plus 16 minutes of stoppage time, followed by a two-hour suspension, Argentina’s equalizing goal was ruled invalid. Justice was indeed served, but why did it take two hours? It’s one of the most awkward moments in football history.” Another tweeter commented: “Everyone knows how Argentina won the World Cup and Copa America. Thanks to the fair Olympic referees this time.”

Another tweeter poked fun at Messi: “When the referee disallowed Argentina’s offside goal, Messi sent an expression of disbelief, showing how much he wanted to win by cheating. Cheating has become routine for him, so when the refereeing is fair, he feels robbed.”