The reigning World Cup champions, Argentina’s national football team, will face off against Paraguay in a crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion. Argentina, currently at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, is aiming to secure its qualification path with a strong performance.
Known for their passionate fan base, Argentina’s supporters are expected to attend in large numbers, creating a unique challenge for Paraguay, who are currently ranked sixth in the group. While Paraguay holds a solid position, just above the cutoff for qualification, they are determined to make the most of their home advantage against a high-performing Argentine side led by stars including Lionel Messi.
To ensure the atmosphere remains supportive of their team, the Paraguayan Football Association has introduced a ban on Argentina’s jerseys in certain areas of the stadium, specifically targeting Lionel Messi’s number 10 jersey. This decision is intended to reduce the visual support for Argentina in the stands, limiting the overwhelming presence of Messi’s popular jersey and amplifying the local support for Paraguay’s players. By controlling the visual influence of the crowd, the Paraguayan FA aims to give its team a psychological edge, emphasizing the need for a complete home advantage as they face one of the world’s top teams on their own turf.
According to a report from EFE, Paraguay is keen on minimizing the presence of Argentina’s iconic blue and white jerseys, especially Lionel Messi’s famous number 10, in the stands during their upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifier match. The Paraguayan Football Association has decided to ban Messi’s jersey in certain sections of the stadium to enhance the “home advantage” for Paraguay as they face the reigning World Cup champions. This move is aimed at ensuring the stands remain a sea of support for the home team and at reducing any psychological boost the Argentina team might gain from seeing strong support for Messi.
He further clarified that jerseys from any club featuring the name “Messi” would also be restricted in the stadium. This includes not only Argentina’s national jersey but any club jersey bearing Messi’s name, as part of an effort to maintain a strong home-field atmosphere in support of the Paraguayan team.