Cristian Medina scored the equalizer in the 16th added minute as Argentina rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Morocco on the opening day of men’s Olympic football on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Spain narrowly defeated Uzbekistan 2-1.
Argentina, aiming for their third men’s football gold in Paris after victories in 2004 and 2008, faced a tough start under coach Javier Mascherano. Trailing 2-0 in their Group B match in Saint-Etienne, they initially struggled against Morocco, who took the lead with a brace from Soufiane Rahimi.
Morocco's captain, Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain, set up Rahimi’s first goal in first-half stoppage time. Rahimi then doubled the lead six minutes into the second half from the penalty spot after Ilias Akhomach was fouled.
Despite hopes that Lionel Messi would join the squad, Mascherano’s side relied on Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and captain Nicolas Otamendi from Benfica. Giuliano Simeone, son of former Argentina star Diego Simeone, came off the bench to score midway through the second half, bringing the score to 2-1.
In a dramatic finale, Otamendi’s shot hit the bar, Bruno Amione's follow-up struck the woodwork, but Medina secured the draw with a decisive goal in the 106th minute.
Group B rivals Iraq and Ukraine will play later in Lyon.
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