UEFA have officially confirmed the cancellation of the highly anticipated Finalissima between the Argentina national football team and the Spain national football team.
The match, which was set to pit the champions of the Copa América against the winners of the UEFA European Championship, had been scheduled for March 26 in Qatar. However Softfootball confirmed, UEFA decided to cancel the fixture due to the current political situation in the Middle East.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his x handle, all players from both teams were available to participate in the match, including Lionel Messi.
Romano’s statement:
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.
Meanwhile, former FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has also claimed that club president Joan Laporta blocked a potential return for Messi to Barcelona three years ago. According to Xavi, Messi’s comeback to Camp Nou following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph had already been agreed in principle before the move was halted.
The Argentine captain would have had the opportunity to win his 47th official team trophy, but that chance has now been postponed, with his next opportunity likely coming at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
UEFA reportedly explored alternative options to keep the match alive, including hosting it at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or staging a two-legged tie in Madrid and Buenos Aires. However, the Argentine Football Association rejected both proposals.
