Paraguay welcomes Argentina on the night of Thursday to Friday on the occasion of the 11th day of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. For this meeting, the Albirroja took a strict measure with regard to Lionel Messi.
Paraguay decided to strike hard. As it prepares to challenge Lionel Messi's Argentina in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, on the night of this Thursday to Friday in Asunción (12:30 a.m. French time), the Paraguayan Football Association football (APF) published a press release on its social networks. A strict rule for supporters coming to the stadium is announced there.
“Persons wearing clothing alluding to the colors of the Argentine national team, Argentine clubs or Argentine players from other teams will not be allowed to enter. They will not be allowed to enter even if they have purchased tickets.” , indicates the APF in its press release.
Lionel Messi very popular in Paraguay
If the press release includes all the distinctive signs that refer to Argentina, it essentially targets Lionel Messi, to the point that the Argentine media are talking about an “anti-Messi law”. The seven-time Golden Ball is very popular beyond Argentina's borders, and Paraguay is no exception. As reported by the Argentinian media TyC Sports, purchases of flocked Lionel Messi jerseys are very numerous there.
“Logically, for the Paraguayan footballer, to support him, everyone would like to wear the national team jersey. But Leo is stronger than all that and there will be Argentina jerseys,” said Lionel Scaloni, the Albiceleste coach, at a press conference.
His Paraguayan counterpart wanted to be more optimistic. “We know that there can be a Messi jersey, but tomorrow, the Paraguayan, I assure you, will wear the Paraguay jersey,” said Gustavo Alfaro. His Federation has in any case done everything for it.
