Paraguay host Argentina in an important 2026 World Cup qualfication fixture on Thursday, but the eve of the showdown was awash with controversial news involving the visiting team's star player, Lionel Messi.

Argentina currently lead the South American qualification table despite the odd wobble so far, but will want to avoid any further slip-ups to ensure a strong finish towards the defence of their 2022 crown.

Paraguay, meanwhile, have recently moved into the sixth and final qualification berth and know a win at home to one of their strongest rivals will go a long way towards sealing their participation.

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Ahead of the contest at Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, Fernando Villasboa, manager of the Paraguayan Football Federation, announced the following:

"Fans wearing jerseys of the Argentine national team, Barcelona, PSG, or Inter Miami with Lionel Messi's name on the back will not be allowed entry to the stadium.

"It's not about Messi or any specific player. We respect the careers of all footballers. It's just that the home ground is very important to us."

The Paraguay team coach, Gustavo Alfaro, responded diplomatically to the news.

"I had no idea about that," he said. "The idea, I think, is just to reduce any potential sources of conflict."

"I hope Messi has the best game of his life against Peru-but not tomorrow."

The ban seems, as touched upon by Alfaro, to be related to a genuine fear that local fans will be more inclined to support global megastar Messi than their own country's team.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowleged this in response to the news, saying: "Logically, for the Paraguayan footballer, for the fan, they all want to wear the national team shirt.

"But Leo [Messi] is stronger than all that, and there will be Argentina shirts.

"It doesn't mean they don't support Paraguay. I think it's good that football people recognize what he is.

"And it's not because you have a shirt that you become an Argentina fan."

Messi is with the Argentina squad, appears to be fully fit to play and as a result, is of course expected to be in the starting XI.

The anticipation of his involvement may be what can trigger some Paraguay fans to show their love of Messi at the game, leading to the late decision by the hosts.