UEFA have confirmed their plan to stage the Finalissima in Qatar later this month, despite the war in the Middle East. The Finalissima will be played between Copa America winners Argentina and European Champions Spain.
Speaking on the planned March 27 match in Doha between the current champions of South America and Europe, UEFA said on Thursday, “At present, there are no alternative venues being considered. A final decision is anticipated towards the end of next week.”
Argentina and Spain are scheduled to play at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, which was the venue for the World Cup final 2022, between Argentina and France.
Argentina won the penalty shoot-out after a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Lionel Messi getting his hands on the World Cup trophy.
UEFA and Qatar have a close relationship. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the president of Paris Saint-Germain, which is owned by Qatar, is a member of the UEFA executive committee. “Discussions are ongoing with the local organisers who have made a huge effort to make the match a success,” UEFA statedThe match might be shifted to Spain or another part of Europe if Doha poses too much of a security risk. In the last Finalissima, Messi-led Argentina beat Italy 3-0 at Wembley.
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal to face off for the first time
The Finalissima would be the first time Argentine great Lionel Messi faces Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal. Yamal, who is currently donning the famous number 10 at Barcelona, has admitted in the past that Messi was his idol growing up.
The highly anticipated clash could be the only time Messi and Yamal face each other. Messi has hinted at retirement after the World Cup 2026 in the USA, where Argentina will defend their title. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal, still only 18, will aim to carry forward Messi`s legacy in the blue and red of Barcelona.
Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the final to win yet another major trophy on their way to Finalissima qualification. Meanwhile, Spain defeated England 2-1 in Berlin to win the Euro 2024 and qualify for the Finalissima.
(With AP Inputs)
