Paraguay announces 'anti-Messi' law, coach Scaloni solves the problem of force

According to AS (Spain): "This is an anti-Messi law, following the law against striker Vinicius of the Brazilian team that was applied. This has caused a lot of controversy, but was successful when the Paraguay team beat Selecao with a score of 1-0 on September 11, also in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America. Therefore, they continue to apply this law to Messi and the Argentina team to take advantage of the home field advantage from the cheers of the fans, determined to win a ticket to the final round."

Paraguay Football Federation officially bans fans from wearing or bringing shirts with Messi's name on them into the stadium

The decision to announce the "anti-Messi" rule was made by an APF official, Mr. Fernando Villasboa, with a definitive statement: "Fans wearing Argentina, Barcelona or Inter Miami jerseys with the name Messi will not be allowed into the stadium."

Fernando Villasboa explained further: "We also apply to cases where fans wear the jerseys of the Argentine national team, Argentine clubs or clubs with the names of players from other countries. We want to cover the Defensores del Chaco stadium with the colors of the Paraguayan national team, so that the players can feel the support from the stands, because we are all part of this match, each in our own way."

According to Mr. Fernando Villasboa: "The application of the "anti-Messi" rule is also to prevent security incidents that may occur inside and outside the Defensores del Chaco stadium. This was effectively applied by us in the case of Brazilian player Vinicius, in the most recent home match, which helped everything go smoothly. And our team also had an impressive victory thanks to the cheers of the fans."

Messi is training hard despite the shock of Inter Miami being eliminated from the MLS Cup.

Paraguay are currently ranked 6th in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America with 13 points from 10 matches, the last position with an official ticket to the final round. They are unbeaten in their last 4 matches with 2 wins and 2 draws, including a 0-0 draw with Uruguay and a 1-0 win over Brazil in September.

In the next two matches, Paraguay will face Argentina at home at 6:30 a.m. on November 15, followed by an away match against Bolivia at 3:00 a.m. on November 20. If they continue to achieve positive results in the remaining two matches in 2024, Paraguay will firmly secure a safe position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Scaloni solves the problem of force, Messi will play from the beginning

Argentina will be without three key players before the match against Paraguay, including striker Nicolas Gonzalez, defender German Pezzella and center back Lisandro Martinez, due to injury. Coach Scaloni therefore had to shuffle the squad. It is expected that players Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico and Facundo Medina will be the replacements.

Argentina are currently leading the South American qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup with 22 points after 10 matches. Coach Scaloni is determined to end 2024 with two more wins to maintain the current No. 1 position, including the match against Paraguay and then the match against Peru at 7am on November 20.

Messi, after experiencing disappointment after Inter Miami were eliminated from the MLS Cup, has returned to the national team and is training very well. He will most likely start both upcoming matches. Number 1 goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who returns from suspension, will also return to his official position.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/paraguay-cong-bo-luat-chong-messi-hlv-scaloni-giai-bai-toan-luc-luong-185241113093112574.htm