Unusual ‘anti-Lionel Messi’ measure taken by Argentina’s rivals ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifier – with famous No.10 shirt being banned

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.

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.

With that in mind, Fernando Villasboa – licensing manager of the Paraguayan FA – has told EFE: "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."

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."

This is not a "new issue" for Paraguay as they took similar measures when facing Brazil on September 10. The same rules will remain in place for meetings with Chile and Colombia in March 2025 – with Paraguay currently sat sixth in the CONMEBOL section of World Cup qualification.