Paraguay Vs Argentina: Host Supporters Are Prohibited From Using Jersei Lionel Messi
Paraguay does not want Messi mania to hit supporters as they face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match in the South American zone. The Paraguay Football Association (APF) also banned supporters from wearing Argentina captain Lionel Messi's jersey in a duel at the Defenses del Chaco Stadium, Asuncion, Friday, November 15, 2024 morning WIB.
Paraguay's PSSI hopes for full support from supporters as Gustavo Alfaro's team serves Messi et al. How not, the hosts face tough opponents who are on fire. Argentina is a world champion and Copa America holder.
Argentina is also perched at the top of the South American zone standings with 22 points. Colombia followed by three points adrift of Argentina.
Meanwhile, Paraguay's position is still quite safe because it is in the top six. Only Paraguay ranks sixth with 13 points. Similar to Ecuador, but Paraguay still loses the goal difference.
From the South American zone, only six teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals. Meanwhile, the seventh rank currently occupied by Venezuela will undergo a play-off.
Paraguay hopes to gain full points at home to Argentina. They also need support from supporters who really wear Paraguay jerseys and not Argentina, especially Messi.
APF realizes that not a few Paraguay football fans, like fans around the world, idolize Messi. However, APF does not expect them to wear Messi jersey despite providing support for Paraguay.
"We don't allow jerseys from the opposing team. We have no problem with Messi. And, we really respect the career of any footballer. The problem is, the game at home is very important for us," Villasboa said.
Meanwhile, coach Alfaro stated that he and his team were only focused on fighting Argentina. Instead, he did not think about the ban on wearing jerseys from the opposing team.
"I don't have any thoughts about banning the jersey. It's also not my idea. But I think the ban is only to reduce the possibility of conflict among supporters," said Alfaro.
"Messi is our opponent. I hope he can show his best performance against Peru and not against us," he said again.
Responding to Messi's jersey ban, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he was not surprised. According to him Messi is an icon of football that is not only an idol for children and Argentine players but also around the world.
"Just logic, Paraguay players and fans will certainly wear their national team jerseys, but Leo (Messi) is stronger in attraction than anything else. I estimate that there are still fans wearing Argentine jerseys," said Scaloni.
"It doesn't mean they don't want to support Paraguay. Just because you are wearing the Argentine jersey, it doesn't mean you will be an Argentine supporter," he said.
Argentina and Paraguay played two World Cup qualifying matches. After facing Paraguay, Albiceleste hosted Peru, Wednesday, November 20, 2024 morning WIB.