The Guaraní Federation seeks to gain the full support of the public and create an atmosphere to beat the Albiceleste.
Paraguay will receive Argentina among the Defenders of the Chaco during a crucial meeting for the aspirations of the Guaraní. The redhead must add more to stay strong in the fight for qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
To do this, they use everything, going so far as to take an unusual measure. The Paraguayan Football Federation (APF) announced a ban on the use of t-shirts bearing the name of Lionel Messi in a decision that is not only limited to Albiceleste clothing, but also includes those of Barcelona and Inter Miami.
And of course, the figure of the trans-Andean star transcends borders. The idolatry of left-handers is growing all over the world. SO, The organization intends to avoid local stands having badges different from those of their team. . The goal is for the albirrojo color to predominate, so they decided to replicate a measure that some MLS teams have also adopted.
Local media described this measure as “Anti-Messi law” . Of course, this will not apply to visiting galleries, for which 1,700 entries have been authorized.
Everyone plays the game
“We want to paint the Defensores del Chaco in the colors of the Albirroja, so that the players can feel this support from the stands, since we are all playing in this match, each in their place. “, explained Fernando Villasboa, FPF licensing director.
During the qualifiers for Qatar 2022, during the duel between the two teams played on Guarani territory, some local fans paralyzed the match for trying to take a photo with the left-hander.
However, Messi’s clamor was replicated in other qualifying duels. For example, in September 2023, Argentina visited Bolivia and the star’s presence sparked an uproar. “We can’t support two teams “, said Marcelo Moreno Martins, who was captain of La Verde at the time.
“Messi, whenever he is part of a team, will be the center of attention on what is happening, because You know that something will always happen, through him or around him », he noted, for his part, Gustavo Alfaro Argentinian coach of Paraguay. He also appreciated the capacity of the transandine. “He has the added value of not only his abilities, but also of being a strategist. And the strategist doesn’t you can neutralize from an individual mark, just as it was very difficult to neutralize Maradona. These cases are very rare. This has always been the dilemma that “Messi walks”. And no, observes Messi. As he walks through the field, he looks. He will look for where the puddle is,” he added.
Source: Latercera
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
