Lionel Messi's popularity is such that sometimes the fans of the opposing team go into a frenzy when they see him. He appeared in the stadium wearing his jersey during the game of his country. But Paraguay fans will not be able to do that in their World Cup qualifier against Argentina this Thursday. Fernando Villasboa, the country's football director, is not keeping that chance.
He raised a wave of criticism with a controversial decision ahead of this World Cup qualifying match. Maybe he fell into the fierce anger of Argentine football fans. At the Defensor del Chaco Stadium in Asuncion, no one wearing an Argentina jersey, even one with their captain Messi's name on it, will be allowed to enter!
In an interview with Radio La Red, Vilasoba explained the decision by saying, 'Nobody wearing clubs with the names of the Argentine national team, Argentine clubs or foreign players will be allowed to enter the stadium. We want our players to get the respect they deserve from the stands, defenders del chaco will only be colored in Albiroa colors. We are all going to play this match in our own way.'
This controversial rule is sure to hurt Messi's fans around the world. Earlier, Paraguay did not allow fans wearing Vinicius Jr.'s jersey to enter the stadium during the match against Brazil. It is said that the decision was taken to maintain order and security inside and outside the stadium.
Currently, Argentina is on top of the World Cup qualifying table with 22 points. Paraguay is sixth with 13 points. The top six teams will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
