Paraguay and Argentina are set to clash next week in a high-stakes 2026 World Cup qualifier, and Paraguayan authorities have announced strict regulations targeting Lionel Messi’s fans.
By Alejandro Lopez Vega
By Alejandro Lopez Vega
Argentina currently lead the South American qualifiers with seven wins and one draw in ten matches, dominating the tournament and edging closer to securing their World Cup spot. However, their upcoming away match against Paraguay poses a significant challenge, prompting Paraguayan officials to implement firm measures concerning Lionel Messi’s supporters.
“Fans will not be permitted to enter with Argentina, Barcelona, or Inter (Miami) jerseys bearing Messi’s name, or any attire affiliated with visiting players,” declared Fernando Villasboa, licensing manager of the Paraguayan Football Association, in an interview with La Red. “We are advising fans in advance to avoid any unpleasant situations, as entry will be denied.”
Villasboa further clarified that this restriction applies exclusively to sections designated for Paraguayan fans within the Defensores del Chaco Stadium. “Those jerseys are acceptable in the visiting fans’ section, provided they have a ticket for it, but entry with such apparel is prohibited in Paraguayan sections,” he explained.
On enforcing the regulation, Villasboa detailed, “We’ll have checkpoints around the stadium perimeter and at entry gates to prevent unauthorized items. If anyone manages to bypass these measures, we’ll politely ask them to leave the area.”
Rodrygo of Brazil shoots during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Paraguay and Brazil at Estadio Defensores del Chaco on September 10, 2024 in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Paraguay’s campaign in the South American qualifiers had a rocky start, yielding only five points out of a possible 18. This led to two managerial changes, with Guillermo Barros Schelotto initially replaced by Daniel Garnero, and, following continued challenges, Gustavo Alfaro taking over in August.
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Alfaro’s leadership has sparked a turnaround, with Paraguay securing eight of the last 12 points, including a crucial victory over Brazil. This resurgence has elevated Paraguay into the qualification zone, but their position remains tenuous, underscoring the need for additional wins to solidify their standing.
With 22 points already amassed, Argentina sit comfortably near qualification for the World Cup. Although eight games remain, a win in Asuncion next Thursday could significantly bolster their position.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni faces mixed news ahead of the fixture. On the positive side, he’ll welcome back key players, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. However, he’ll be without some of the team’s stars, such as Paulo Dybala and Nicolas Gonzalez, both of whom are unavailable for the call-up.
Alejandro Lopez Vega is a seasoned sports journalist who joined Bolavip US in October 2024. With more than thirteen years of experience in news writing, sports analysis, and event coverage, he specializes in soccer and basketball. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Alejandro has worked with various media outlets in Rosario, Argentina, such as Radio La Red and Radio Mitre. He has also been part of the Communication and Press Department for the soccer teams Newell's Old Boys and Central Córdoba. In addition to his journalism career, Alejandro is a lawyer, having graduated from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, which brings a unique legal perspective to his sports analysis, going beyond the athletic aspects of events.
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