The 2024 Olympic men's soccer opening match between Argentina and Morocco was filled with drama and controversy, with a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review and delays due to fan unrest.

Morocco led 2-0 after two goals before half-time, before Argentina scored one late in the game. ESPN.

According to news media reports, the match was extended for a total of 110 minutes and 29 seconds. The stoppage of play came in the final moments after Cristian Medina scored a goal in the final seconds of the game for Argentina. (Related article: Olympics off to a spectacular start with drone scandal, coach ousted, staff detained)

Argentina's equaliser against Morocco in the 90th minute was ruled out for offside two hours after the end of the match.

Justice was served, but why did it take two hours? One of the most embarrassing moments in football history…pic.twitter.com/w4jFIFA7E9

— Troll Football Media (@Troll__Footbal) July 24, 2024

However, according to a report from ESPN, Moroccan fans were angry because the goal was scored after time had expired. Some angry spectators threw objects on to the pitch and entered the grounds. The situation became so tense that referee Glenn Nyberg ordered both teams off the field for safety reasons.

During the stoppage in play, a message was shown on the stadium's big screens instructing fans to leave: “The session has been stopped. Please proceed to the nearest exit,” it said.

The VAR team spent almost two hours reviewing Argentina's goal, ultimately ruling it out as Bruno Amione was offside after passing it to Medina.