Europe or the USA? There’s Confusion Over Date for Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal Clash

Published by GOAL

Published by GOAL

Published by GOAL

• Albiceleste holders of Copa America crown
• La Roja captured European Championship title
• No date set for meeting between the two

WHAT HAPPENED?

Argentina, who are world champions and holders of the coveted Copa America crown, are due to lock horns with European Championship winners Spain. The Albiceleste saw off Italy during the last staging of the Finalissima at Wembley Stadium in 2022.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The next hosting of that event is generating plenty of excitement, as it could pit eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi against record-breaking fellow La Masia academy graduate Yamal. Finding a suitable date for the event is, however, proving tricky.

WHAT SCALONI SAID

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has said: “I don’t know if the Finalissima is going to happen. From what I’ve been told, it will be tough to fit in with Spain’s schedule. I don’t see it happening next year. Maybe they will find a gap, but I’m not thinking about it right now.”

DID YOU KNOW?

It has been suggested that the game could take place in the October or November international windows of 2025 – after Spain have completed their latest Nations League campaign. If that gap in the schedule is used, then Berlin, London or Rome are being mooted as possible destinations.

WHAT NEXT?

If the Finalissima has to be pushed back into March 2026, as reported by TyC Sports, then it could be taken to the United States – ahead of America filling a role of co-hosts at that summer’s World Cup. Growing interest in that region could see somewhere like New York become a fitting landing spot for an eagerly-anticipated encounter.