“They all want to wear the national team shirt, but Messi is stronger than all that” - Lionel Scaloni on Paraguay enforcing Lionel Messi shirt ban

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has opened up on Paraguay's Lionel Messi shirt ban ahead of the international game. La Albiceleste travel to the Estadio Defensores del Chaco on Thursday (November 14) to face Paraguay in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification game.

Paraguay Football Association (APF) have warned fans not to don Argentina jerseys in the stands during the game. APF president has said only jerseys of the home team will be allowed in the Stadium.

Lionel Messi has a fan following that transcends boundaries and communal division. Rival fans have often been seen wearing the fabled Argentina No. 10 jersey with the diminutive magician's name at the back.

Speaking to the press, as cited by Sportstar, Scaloni insisted that it is a recognition of the 37-year-old's impact in the world of football.

“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,” Scaloni said.

He continued:

“It doesn’t mean they don’t support Paraguay. I think it’s good that football people recognise what he is. And it’s not because you have a shirt that you become an Argentina fan."

Argentina are leading the World Cup qualifiers in South America, with seven wins, two losses, and one draw from 10 games.

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How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina?

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has scored 112 goals from 189 appearances for Argentina so far in his career. Only Cristiano Ronaldo - 133 goals from 216 games for Portugal - has scored more in international men's football.

The 37-year-old has scored 13 times in 26 games at the World Cups. It includes a brace in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where La Albiceleste got the better of France.

Lionel Messi has 14 goals in 39 appearances in the Copa America. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has lifted the trophy twice in his career, in 2021 and 2024.

While the Argentine icon may be in the final phase of his career, he has shown no signs of slowing down. Messi powered Inter Miami to the Supporters' Shield this season, helping them finish at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference table.

However, La Pulga failed to guide the team beyond Round One of the MLS Cup. Messi has registered 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games across competitions this season for the Herons.