"Argentina are two-time Finalissima champions. Spain was not present to play," stated Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMEBOL, on Radio La Red on 20/3.

The anticipated clash between Messi and Yamal at the Finalissima could not proceed due to regional conflict and organizational disputes. *Marca*

The Finalissima is an intercontinental super cup match featuring the champions of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro and the Copa America. Argentina first won the title in 2022, defeating Italy 3-0 at the neutral venue of Wembley in England. UEFA and CONMEBOL had initially planned to host this year's Finalissima on 27/3 in Qatar. However, the match was canceled due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Efforts to relocate the match to a European venue also proved unsuccessful. According to UEFA and the Spanish Football Federation, CONMEBOL and Argentina declined three proposals: playing at the Bernabeu stadium in Spain, a two-legged tie in 2028, or a single match at a neutral venue on 27/3. Conversely, CONMEBOL and Argentina proposed playing at a neutral venue in Italy on 31/3, but this was rejected.

Spain subsequently arranged two friendly matches against Serbia and Egypt. They notably scheduled their match against Egypt for 31/3 at their home ground, RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, voiced his frustration on social media, stating: "We just found out that Spain will play in Barcelona on 31/3. There is no difference between going to Barcelona or Italy on that day. Seriously."

Argentina has since replaced the Finalissima fixture with two friendly matches: against Mauritania on 27/3 and Guatemala on 31/3. Both matches are to be played at their home stadium, Bomborena, in Buenos Aires.

*Thanh Quy (according to RLR)*