Why has Paraguay banned Lionel Messi shirts? Jersey row explained

Paraguay host Argentina in a key 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday, but the run-up to the clash was filled with controversial news involving the visiting team’s star player, Lionel Messi.

Argentina currently lead the South American qualifying table despite the odd wobble so far, but will be keen to avoid further slip-ups to ensure a strong finish to the defense of their 2022 crown.

Paraguay, meanwhile, have recently moved into the sixth and final qualifying spot and know that a win at home to one of their fiercest rivals will go a long way towards securing their participation.

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Ahead of the contest at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, Fernando Villasboa, manager of the Paraguayan Football Association, announced the following:

“Fans wearing Argentina, Barcelona, ​​PSG or Inter Miami jerseys with Lionel Messi’s name on the back will not be allowed into the stadium.

“It’s not about Messi or any specific player. We respect all footballers’ careers. It’s just that home ground is very important to us.”

Paraguay’s team coach, Gustavo Alfaro, reacted diplomatically to the news.

“I had no idea,” he said. “The idea, I think, is just to reduce any potential sources of conflict.”

“I hope Messi has the best game of his life against Peru – but not tomorrow.”

Why would Paraguayan fans wear Lionel Messi shirts?

The ban appears, as Alfaro has touched on, to be related to a genuine fear that local fans will be more likely to support global megastar Messi than their own country’s team.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged this in response to the news, saying: “Logically, for the Paraguayan footballer, heck everyone wants to wear the national team shirt.

“But Leo (Messi) is stronger than all that and there will be Argentina shirts.

“It doesn’t mean they don’t support Paraguay. I think it’s good that football people recognize what he is.

“And it’s not because you have a shirt that you become an Argentina fan.”

Will Messi play against Paraguay?

Messi is in the Argentina squad, looks to be fully fit to play and as a result is of course expected to be in the starting XI.

The anticipation of his involvement may be what prompts some Paraguay fans to show their love for Messi in the match, leading to the late decision by the hosts.

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