UEFA has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated Finalissima, which was to feature the Argentina national football team taking on the Spain national football team.
This match was meant to showcase the champion of the Copa América against the UEFA European Championship winner and was set to take place on March 26 in Qatar. However, Softfootball confirmed that the fixture was called off due to the ongoing political instability in the Middle East.
Fabrizio Romano indicated via his x account that all players from both squads were available for the match, including Lionel Messi.
Romano stated:
There was availability from all the players from Spain and Argentina to proceed with La Finalissima, including Lionel Messi. Messi had the chance to win his 47th official team trophy, another one with Argentina… opportunity missed, now next chance will be the World Cup.
In another development, former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández claimed that club president Joan Laporta hindered a potential return for Messi to Barcelona three years ago. Xavi mentioned that an agreement had been reached for Messi’s return to Camp Nou following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory before it was ultimately halted.
For Messi, the chance to secure his 47th official team trophy has been deferred, with his next potential opportunity likely at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
UEFA reportedly considered other options to ensure the match would proceed, including hosting it at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or organizing a two-leg tie in both Madrid and Buenos Aires. However, the Argentine Football Association rejected these alternatives.
