Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni believes that Lionel Messi jerseys will still be seen in the stands at Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Paraguay, despite a ban on rival team shirts.
The Paraguay Football Association (APF) has announced that only Paraguayan national team jerseys will be allowed at the game, which will be held at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción.
The APF has made it clear that no jerseys from Argentina, Argentine clubs, or other international players` teams will be permitted.
APF president Fernando Villasboa explained that the decision was not aimed at Messi personally but was about protecting the home advantage for the Paraguayan team.
“We respect the careers of all players, but this is about making sure the home crowd supports Paraguay fully,” Villasboa said.
However, Scaloni remains optimistic that Messi’s global popularity will mean Argentina fans will still be able to show their support, even in the face of the ban.
"It’s natural that Paraguayan fans will wear their own team’s shirts, but Messi is so famous that there will still be Argentina shirts in the crowd," Scaloni said in a press conference.
“Wearing a Messi shirt doesn’t mean you’re not supporting Paraguay, it’s just a sign of respect for what Messi has achieved in football.”
Paraguay’s coach Gustavo Alfaro added that he had no knowledge of the shirt ban and suggested it was likely an effort to avoid any possible tension in the stands.
"I hope Messi has a great game against Peru, but not tomorrow," Alfaro commented.
Argentina, who currently sit at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table with 22 points, are three points ahead of Colombia. After facing Paraguay, they will play Peru on November 19.
Despite the ban, it seems unlikely that Messi’s influence will be easily overlooked on the night.
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