SEATTLE — Competition is officially underway at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The first day of the Olympics Games brought opening round match-ups in men’s soccer and pool play in men’s rugby.
Here are some of the biggest moments of competition on July 24.
Argentina’s last-minute goal ruled offsides before falling to Morocco
Argentina, playing without Lionel Messi in these Games, also got the ball rolling against Morocco in Saint-Étienne at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium.
Morocco was leading 2-1, with two goals from striker Soufiane Rahimi, until the 16th minute of stoppage time when Cristian Medina appeared to equalize for Argentina.
Morocco fans crashed the pitch to protest the goal, leading to an angry and bizarre scene that left the game suspended with only moments remaining.
Objects were thrown and Morocco fans were tackled by security. There were images of some Argentina players flinching when what appeared to be a flare was thrown.
Then moments before play resumed almost two hours later, the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside, meaning Morocco held on for a 2-1 victory.
US men's soccer falls to France in opening round
On a wild opening day for the Olympic men’s soccer tournament, the United States came within the width of the crossbar from taking the lead against host nation France.
In the American's closest attempt, Djordje Mihailovic's long-range effort came back off the bar when the Group A game in Marseille was still goalless.
However, within moments, France made the most of its fortune — responding with stunning strikes from Alexandre Lacazette in the 61st minute and Michael Olise in the 68th.
Loic Bade added the third goal with a header in the 85th.
US holds France to a tie in men’s rugby
The U.S. came out to a strong start against France, a podium favorite, in men’s rugby.
France took the lead early but the U.S. battled back and scored twice to end the game in a 12-12 draw.
The rugby sevens tournament started with 12 teams playing two games each on Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony.
US rugby falls to Fiji
In the U.S.’ second game of the day, Fiji overpowered the U.S. 38-12 with six tries scored and secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
Powerhouse Fiji hasn’t lost an Olympic match since rugby returned to the Olympics in 2016.
