Competitions at the Paris Olympics kicked off with soccer matches involving Spain and Argentina in Paris and Saint-Etienne on Wednesday. Spain faced Uzbekistan at Parc des Princes in western Paris, the former home of French striker Kylian Mbappé during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov, who previously played for Cagliari in Serie A and had scored 40 goals for his country, initiated the game by passing the ball back to a teammate amidst applause. FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with players before the match.
Argentina, without Lionel Messi, started their game against Morocco at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne, also known as Le Chaudron (The Cauldron) due to the passionate support of the local club's fans. Outside the stadium, Moroccan and Argentine fans mingled, with two Argentine supporters displaying a flag honoring the late Diego Maradona, affectionately known as 'El Pibe de Oro' (the Golden Kid).
The area surrounding Parc des Princes, close to Roland Garros where Olympic tennis will be held, buzzed with excitement. Approximately 150 Uzbekistan fans gathered outside Porte d’Auteuil subway station, chanting, waving flags, and playing drums as they made their way to the stadium under light police supervision.
Security measures were heightened later in the day outside Parc des Princes for the Israel vs. Mali match in Group D, given the ongoing tensions in Gaza. The rugby sevens competition commenced at Stade de France, the national stadium, with Australia facing Samoa. Host nation France later took on the United States in another match.
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