A strict decision that the Paraguayan Federation decided to take before the country’s national team faced Argentina, in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina is currently at the top of the standings, and is close to securing its place in the World Cup. However, the upcoming confrontation with Paraguay represents a major challenge, which has prompted Paraguayan officials to implement strict measures regarding Lionel Messi fans.
For his part, Fernando Villasboa, Director of Licensing at the Paraguayan Federation, said in an interview with the newspaper “La Red”: “Fans from our country will not be allowed to enter with Argentina, Barcelona or Inter Miami shirts bearing the name Messi, or any clothing related to the away team’s players.”
He added: “We advise fans in advance to avoid any unpleasant situations that may lead to them being refused entry to the stadium. These shirts are accepted in the visitors’ fans’ section, provided that they have a ticket for that, but entering Paraguay’s stands with them is strictly prohibited.”
He continued his speech: “We will place checkpoints around the perimeter of the stadium, and at the entry gates to prevent unauthorized elements, and if anyone manages to bypass these measures, we will politely ask him to leave the area.”
It is worth noting that Paraguay is going through a difficult period in the World Cup qualifiers, obtaining only 5 points out of a possible 18, which led to two managerial changes, as Guillermo Barros Schelotto was initially replaced by Daniel Garnero, and after continuous confusions, Gustavo Alfaro took over in August.