Paraguay have put unusual ‘anti-Lionel Messi’ measures in place ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
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- Albiceleste heading out on the road
- Messi a big draw wherever he goes
- Shirt won't be allowed in home end
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Albiceleste, who claimed a global crown at Qatar 2022, are due at Defensores del Chaco Stadium on November 14. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi will likely figure in that contest after seeing his domestic campaign come to a close at Inter Miami – with play-off heartache being suffered in the MLS Cup.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Paraguay are ready to welcome the all-time great and his international colleagues to their region of South America, but want to avoid seeing the stands littered with rival jerseys – particularly blue and white ones with ‘Messi 10’ on the back.
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WHAT PARAGUAY FA SAID
With that in mind, Fernando Villasboa – licensing manager of the Paraguayan FA – has told : "We have already warned that in the local sectors, we will not allow access to jerseys that are not from Paraguay, or perhaps neutral ones, but not from the rival."
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DID YOU KNOW?
He added that no "jerseys from clubs that contain the names of rival team players" will be allowed. Villasboa went on to say: "This is not an issue against any player; we have great respect for the careers of all footballers. It's just that home advantage is essential for us."
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