UEFA confirms intentions to proceed with Spain-Argentina Finalissima in Qatar.
UEFA continues to intend for Qatar to host the Argentina vs. Spain match, referred to as Finalissima, this month, despite the country being targeted by Iranian missiles amid the escalating Middle East conflict initiated by Israel and the United States.
“Currently, there are no alternative locations being evaluated,” UEFA stated on Thursday regarding the planned March 27 match in Doha between the current champions of South America and Europe, which is expected to feature Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
“A definitive decision is expected by the end of next week,” the European football organization, which collaborates with South American counterpart CONMEBOL to arrange the event, mentioned.
Argentina and Spain are set to compete at Lusail Stadium, the venue that hosted the memorable 2022 World Cup final.
Argentina triumphed in a penalty shootout against France after Messi netted two goals and Kylian Mbappé scored a hat trick in an exhilarating 3-3 draw.
Qatar maintains strong ties with UEFA. Its leading football figure, Nasser Al Khelaïfi, president of Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, serves on the UEFA executive committee.
“Conversations are ongoing with the local organizers who have exerted significant effort to ensure the match’s success,” UEFA noted.
If Doha is deemed too much of a security concern to host the event, it may be relocated to Spain or another European location where most players from both teams are based.
The inaugural Finalissima took place at Wembley Stadium in London in June 2022, where Argentina and Messi defeated Italy 3-0.
The Qatar football federation announced the postponement of all tournaments and matches until further notice on Sunday due to global tensions following the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. Argentina was also scheduled to face Qatar in a friendly on March 31.
