The "Finalissima," a match between reigning European champion Spain and South American champion Argentina scheduled for March 27 in Qatar, has been canceled due to continued conflicts in the Middle East, UEFA announced on Sunday, Reuters reported.
Additionally, contrary to speculation otherwise, ESPN reported Sunday night that Argentinian and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi had no role in the cancellation, instead citing sources that the star viewed the match as a chance for another title and one last key warmup before the World Cup.
Spain, the UEFA EURO champion in 2024, and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America winner Argentina were looking to repeat the pre-World Cup match in 2022 that pitted reigning European champ Italy against the 2021 Copa America winner Argentina. The match also could have been the first time 18-year-old Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal and the 38-year-old Messi met on the pitch, according to Reuters.
