Paraguayan Football Association Bans Lionel Messi Jerseys Ahead Of Match With Argentina

Ahead of the South American World Cup 2026 qualifier between Argentina and Paraguay at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion on Thursday, the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) warned the home crowd to wear only Paraguayan shirts. APF manager Fernando Villasboa reportedly said that no jerseys from Argentina, Argentine clubs, or clubs that contain the names of players from other countries will be allowed. 

"We won't allow the other team's shirt. It's not a problem against Messi. We respect the careers of all footballers. It's just that the home ground is very important to us," the manager said, as quoted by Reuters. At the same time, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is confident that there will be Lionel Messi jerseys in the home section. "Logically, for the Paraguayan footballer, for the fan, they all want to wear the national team shirt. But Leo (Messi) is stronger than all that and there will be Argentina shirts," Scaloni said during a press conference on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, Paraguay's head coach Gustavo Alfaro claimed he had no prior knowledge of the jersey ban. "I think the idea is to reduce the margin of a possible source of conflict," Gustavo Alfaro said. The match will begin at 5:00 AM on Friday as per Indian Standard Time (IST). While Argentina is hoping to put on a dominating display, Paraguay is looking to qualify for their first World Cup since 2010.