Lionel Messi’s Argentina is scheduled to face Spain in the Finalissima this month, with the intercontinental match set to be held in Lusail, Qatar. However, the ongoing war in the Middle East has cast doubt on the venue of the highly anticipated contest.
And the UEFA is believed to be mulling a potential change of venue before it’s too late.
Lionel Messi’s Next International Clash Under Doubt Now
Argentina, the reigning CONMEBOL Copa America champions, and Spain, the reigning UEFA European Championship champions, are set to compete in the Finalissima on Mar. 27 at the Lusail Stadium. But the match could shift to another country, as Qatar is currently a target of air strikes by Iran, which is retaliating against the United States and Israel.
And, one UEFA spokesperson has recently shed light on whether the Finalissima will be held elsewhere this month. The official stated, “We are aware of the speculation surrounding the Finalissima, given the situation in the region. Discussions are ongoing with local organisers, who have made a huge effort to make the match a success.”
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The spokesperson further remarked, “A final decision is anticipated towards the end of next week. At present, there are no alternative venues (for Finalissima) being considered.”
Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champion, qualified for the Finalissima after their 1-0 victory against Colombia in the Copa America final in July 2024. Their opponents, Spain, booked their place in the clash after defeating England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.
The Finalissima has been played just three times so far in history. The inaugural clash, then called the Artemio Franchi Cup, was won by France in 1985. The second edition of the clash saw Argentina lift the trophy in 1993, with the third being won by Argentina in 2022.
Meanwhile, Spain forward Lamine Yamal recently made headlines after scoring his first hat-trick at a younger age than Messi. He scored three times in Barcelona’s 4-1 La Liga triumph over Villarreal at the Camp Nou on Feb. 28 at the age of 18 years and 230 days.
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In comparison, Messi scored his maiden hat-trick against Real Madrid at the age of 19. The Inter Miami captain impressed in Barcelona’s 3-3 La Liga draw back in March 2007.
Yamal, who is yet to meet the Argentine on the pitch, has been in excellent form this term. The 18-year-old left-footed winger has produced 18 goals and 15 assists in 35 total outings for the Hansi Flick-coached team so far in the ongoing 2025-26 campaign.
