Tension will be running high at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion on Thursday evening. Paraguay, in the thick of the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, host Argentina, the leaders in the South American qualifiers. And to maximise their chances, the Paraguayan federation has taken a radical decision against Lionel Messi.
Paraguay host Argentina on Thursday evening in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. With just a few hours to go before the clash, controversy has erupted following a controversial decision by the Paraguayan FA against Lionel Messi. According to the local press, the Paraguayan Football Association has decided to ban the wearing of shirts bearing the name of Lionel Messi by fans wishing to watch the match at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion.
This ban is not limited to Albiceleste shirts. Fans wearing the shirts of clubs where Messi has played, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, will also be refused entry. Fernando Villasboa, President of the Paraguayan Football Association, explained this unprecedented approach. “Fans wearing Messi or Argentinian team shirts will not be allowed into the stadium. The aim of this measure is to create an atmosphere totally dedicated to the Paraguayan national team, so that the players feel the support of the stands,” he added.
This strategy is not a first for Paraguay. Last September, when they hosted Brazil, the federation banned the shirts of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. As a result, the Paraguayans pulled off a remarkable feat, beating the Seleção 1-0. An unexpected success that seems to have strengthened their conviction in this strategy.
Defensores del Chaco, a hostile stadium for the world champions
Argentina, despite their status as world champions and leaders in the qualifiers, will not be going into Asuncion on conquered ground. The Albiceleste have often struggled on this hostile terrain, with only two wins since 1997 and numerous draws and defeats. This match promises to be a real challenge for Messi and his team-mates, who will have to face a Paraguayan fervour amplified by this new ban.
Above and beyond the result, Paraguay’s main aim is to preserve their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Currently in sixth place, the Paraguayans know that a win against Argentina could be a decisive turning point in their campaign.
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