Clubs and countries have tried many ways over the years to reduce the influence Lionel Messi can have on a football match. Triple mark him, foul him, rough him up - but no one has quite cracked the code.

Fans wearing any version of a soccer jersey bearing the megastar's name will be denied entry to the upcoming match.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is confident there will be Lionel Messi jerseys in the home section despite the Paraguayan Football Association's ban on rival shirts.

Paraguayan Football Association manager Fernando Villasboa warned the home crowd to wear only Paraguayan shirts to the match.

In a surprising move ahead of Argentina’s clash with Paraguay, authorities have banned fans from wearing Lionel Messi jerseys in the stadium.

Lionel Scaloni says “there will be Argentina shirts” in the home end when Lionel Messi and Co face Paraguay, with fans expected to defy a ban.