Lionel Messi calls out VAR shambles with Argentina forced to resume Olympics match over an HOUR after late goal

LIONEL MESSI called out the VAR shambles on day one of the Olympics after Argentina were forced to resume their match against Morocco an HOUR after a late equaliser.

The incredible scenes occurred in Wednesday’s opening match, with Argentina trailing Morocco 2-1 at 90 minutes.

AP

Lionel Messi called out the VAR shambles in Argentina’s Olympics opener against Morocco[/caption]

Reuters

Argentina were forced to play the final three minutes in an empty stadium after their late equaliser was ruled out[/caption]

AFP

The VAR decision came well over an hour after players thought the game had ended[/caption]

But 15 minutes of injury time was added on.

And Argentina eventually managed to fire in an equaliser — 30 seconds after the whistle should have blown.

Their celebrations were cut short by a pitch invasion as fans also threw firecrackers from the stands.

And the ref blew his whistle as players from both sides ran off the field.

The teams believed the game was over thanks to the ref’s beep.

However, it turned out he had merely suspended play due to the fan trouble.

And over one hour later, it then emerged that VAR had ruled out Argentina’s equaliser for offside.

It meant they and Morocco were forced to resume their match in an empty stadium, playing for just three minutes.

OLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024

The game ended with Argentina on the wrong side of a 2-1 defeat.

And the VAR shambles was not a good advert for the opening day of the Olympic Games in Paris.

Messi’s Instagram message was short and sweet

Reuters

Messi watched from home after leading Argentina to Copa America glory this month[/caption]

One man who was clearly unhappy was Argentina legend Messi, who led his nation to Copa America glory earlier this month.

After watching the bizarre scenes, he took to Instagram to post a one-worded message.

Messi’s Instagram Story merely said “Insolito”, which means ‘strange’ in English.

Despite the controversial equaliser, the pitch invasion and the amazing late restart, there was drama before kick off as fans booed Argentina’s national anthem following last week’s racism storm.

Enzo Fernandez posted a video showing himself and team-mates chanting a vile song about France’s national team.

And jeers were clearly heard as Argentina’s anthem played before a ball was kicked.