Paraguay hosted Argentina in a key 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday, but the eve of the clash was awash with controversial news about the visiting team’s star player, Lionel Messi.

Argentina currently top the South American qualifying table despite some fluctuations so far, but will want to avoid further missteps to ensure a strong finish on their way to defending their 2022 crown.

Paraguay, meanwhile, have recently moved up to the sixth and final qualifying spot and know that a win at home against one of their strongest rivals will go a long way to sealing their entry.

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Before the match at Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, Fernando Villasboa, manager of the Paraguayan Football Federation, announced the following:

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

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

Paraguay team coach Gustavo Alfaro responded diplomatically to the news.

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

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

Why should Paraguay fans wear Lionel Messi shirts?

The ban, as Alfaro pointed out, appears to be linked 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: “It is logical that the Paraguayan footballer and the fan all want 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 just because you have a shirt doesn’t make you an Argentina fan.”

Will Messi play against Paraguay?

Messi is part of the Argentina squad, seems fully fit to play and is therefore expected to be in the starting line-up.

The prospect of his involvement could prompt some Paraguay fans to show their love for Messi during the match, leading to the hosts’ late decision.

MORE: Where Paraguay vs. Argentina can be seen, expected lineups