Javier Mascherano absolutely loses it in furious rant as Argentina lose Olympics opener after extraordinary VAR decision

Javier Mascherano lost it after Argentina suffered an extraordinary defeat at the hands of the Morocco in their Olympic football tournament opening.

La Albiceleste are one of the favourites for the tournament but found themselves 2-0 up down to Morocco in Saint-Etienne courtesy of a brace from Soufiane Rahimi.

Giuliano Simeone reduced the deficit in the 68th minute and then Argentina looked to have equalised in the 106th minute through Cristian Medina.

A total of 15 minutes were added on by the referee, with Medina heading home in the 16th.

But then a remarkable and unprecedented turn of events ensured. Morocco fans protested and hurled firecrackers and bottles, with many even invading the pitch.

The game was suspended and players were in the dressing rooms awaiting the confirmation of the result.

In the end, it was decided that the goal would be reviewed by the referee due to a suspicion of marginal offside.

92 minutes later, the goal was chalked off following a VAR review and the final three minutes were played, with Morocco ultimately holding out and winning 2-1.

Manager Mascherano was furious and asked about the situation, he described it as "the biggest circus I've ever seen in my life".

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was also not happy with the turn of events and took to Instagram to share his thoughts.

On his story, he wrote "Insolito" - which translates to "Unbelievable".

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who claimed Gold with Argentina in 2008 in Beijing, also added stunned emoji to express how he was left feeling.

Argentina return to action on Saturday with a meeting against Iraq, before they take on Ukraine in their final game in Group B on Tuesday.

La Albiceleste have won gold on two occasions at the Olympic football tournament but as they did in the 2022 World Cup, will have to bounce back from an opening loss.