The much-anticipated Finalissima match between Euro 2024 champions Spain national football team and world champions Argentina national football team scheduled for March 27 in Qatar has been cancelled.
UEFA announced the decision on Sunday, explaining that an agreement could not be reached with the Argentine football authorities regarding an alternative date and venue after the Middle East conflict disrupted the original plan.
In a statement, UEFA said it was disappointed that the teams would not have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious title.
“It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organisers that circumstances and timing have denied the teams of the chance to compete for this prestigious prize in Qatar,” the statement read.
The Finalissima brings together the winners of the Copa América and the European Championship. The competition was last played in 2022 when Argentina defeated Italy national football team at Wembley Stadium.
Later that same year, Argentina captain Lionel Messi lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The planned fixture against Spain would also have marked the first time Messi faced teenage star Lamine Yamal, who many football observers regard as one of the brightest young talents in the game.
UEFA said several alternatives were explored in a bid to save the match. One proposal suggested hosting the game at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, but the idea was rejected by the Argentine Football Association.
Another option was a two-legged format, with the first match in Madrid on March 27 and the return leg in Buenos Aires before the 2028 European Championship and the next Copa América, but this proposal was also declined.
A final suggestion involved staging a one-off match at a neutral venue in Europe on March 27 or March 30. However, Argentina indicated they were only available on March 31.
“As a result, and to UEFA’s regret, this edition of the Finalissima has been cancelled,” the governing body added.
