CONMEBOL Chief Crowns Argentina and Messi as Finalissima Champions While Spain Fires Back in Heated Exchange
Tension and dispute escalate following Sunday's scrapped Finalissima clash between Spain and Argentina.
The match between the UEFA and CONMEBOL title holders was eagerly awaited, promising the first competitive encounter between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. Initially planned for March 27 in Qatar last December, the persistent Middle Eastern conflict rendered the venue unsuitable for the game.
Both federations proposed alternative dates and venues for the rearranged fixture, but no consensus emerged. Argentina turned down Spain's proposal for a Madrid encounter, claiming it "would breach sporting equity principles, as it wouldn't represent a neutral ground." Spain subsequently declined Argentina's Rome suggestion for March 31, insisting they could only accommodate matches on March 27 or 30—dates that proved impossible for Argentina.
Following the collapsed discussions, CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez has proclaimed Argentina as the legitimate Finalissima victors, triggering a reaction from Spain's head coach.
Alejandro Dominguez Declares Victory
"If we implement a forfeit ruling, Argentina becomes the two-time Finalissima champion," Dominguez stated to DSports on Friday.
Addressing Spain's refusal of the proposed Rome championship encounter on March 31, Dominguez remarked: "You must have self-confidence. The grass isn't always more verdant elsewhere. And remember: you need to accept it, your neighbor's lawn isn't that lush."
Dominguez subsequently spoke with Radio La Red and reinforced his victory claim: "What's your nationality? Argentine, so congratulations because we're two-time Finalissima champions. They failed to appear."
Argentina claimed the first edition in 2022 with a 3–0 triumph over Italy at Wembley Stadium in London.
Spain's Manager Responds to Dominguez
"I consistently maintained that we desired to contest this final—consistently, from the initial moment," Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente commented Saturday. "We exhausted every possible effort—absolutely everything; trust us.
"Now, concerning what transpired subsequently [with Dominguez's declaration]—well, everyone presents their perspective. Regarding that perspective, I merely reference the statement released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, precisely as written—and that concludes it.
"The fixture didn't occur, so ... it essentially boils down to this: two individuals can't dispute if one declines to, and two squads can't compete if one doesn't wish to. I can assure you: we wanted to compete."
Still seeking preparation matches before the 2026 World Cup this summer, Lamine Yamal and Spain will now meet Serbia in a friendly on March 27 at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica, while Lionel Messi and Argentina will face Guatemala on March 31, also on home territory.