By Reinaldo Oliveros
Nov 15, 2024, 10:44 AM EST
The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) prohibited entry to the Defensores del Chaco stadium with Lionel Messi shirts, including those of the Argentine National Team, Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami.
The measure was confirmed by Fernando Villasboa, sports director of the APF, in the last game of the South American Qualifiersin a context prior to the crucial match between Paraguay and the current world champion.
The objective of the Paraguayan team was that there would only be fans in the Albirroja colors in the stadium, strengthening support for the Paraguayan team.
“We want to paint the Defensores del Chaco with the colors of the Albirroja, so that the players “They can feel that support from the stands, since we all played this game, each one from their place.”
The measure, which also applies to the shirts of clubs such as Barcelona and Inter Miami, is not new, since it had previously been implemented to avoid the presence of Vinicius Júnior’s shirts during the confrontation against Brazil.
The APF Licensing Manager clarified that the ban is not only limited to Messi’s clothing, but also extends to any shirt that represents the Argentine national team or foreign clubs associated with international players. The objective, according to the APF, is to avoid possible confrontations and guarantee security inside and outside the stadium.
“No one is allowed to wear a shirt of the Argentine national team, of Argentine clubs or of clubs with names of players from other countries”concluded the APF director.
Gustavo Alfaro proud of beating the world champion
Paraguay’s coach, Gustavo Alfaro, defined this Thursday’s 2-1 comeback victory over Argentina in Asunción as a privilege.
The former Ecuador coach summarized his team’s attitude to overcome adversity as “rebellion” and manage to overcome the rival in a match that began with a loss with a goal from Lautaro Martínez.
“Today I had the privilege of beating the world champion, and we beat the world champion whose pride was wounded because Argentina did not want to lose from any point of view,” he said after the match on the eleventh day of the qualifiers played at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción.
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