Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal: When will the exciting Finalissima clash between Argentina and Spain be held?
Ex-Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and current Blaugrana wonderkid Lamine Yamal have enjoyed successful international campaigns over the summer. The former won the Copa America and the latter lifted the EURO 2024 title with their respective national sides, Argentina and Spain.
The finals of both competitions were held on the same day (July 14), with Spain trumping England 2-1 in the first one. Yamal set up Nico Williams for Spain's opener (47'), but Cole Palmer's curled effort (73') levelled the game.
However, substitute Mikel Oyarzabal (86') sealed the win for La Roja, who lifted a record fourth EURO title. For his impressive campaign, which included a stunning curler against France in the semi-final and four assists to go with it, Yamal was named the Young Player of the Tournament.
Later in the day, Messi's Argentina beat Colombia 1-0. The 37-year-old, however, suffered an ankle injury and came off the field in tears in the 66th minute.
Despite their maestro's absence, the competition's topscorer Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net in extra time (112') to seal a record 16th Copa triumph for La Albiceleste.
Spain and Argentina will now meet in the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, which has been nicknamed the 'Finalissima' (Italian for Grand Final). It would be the first official match-up between Yamal and Messi.
Argentina will make their third consecutive appearance in the competition, which is likely to be held next year. The 2022 edition was held on June 1, which makes it plausible that the next one will take place in mid-2025.
Historically, Argentina have been dominant in the Finalissima
The inaugural Finalissima was held in 1985, with France beating Uruguay in the first-ever edition. It was discontinued after its second edition in 1993 and was only re-introduced in 2022.
Argentina have won the last two editions, beating EURO 1992 champions Denmark (1-1, 5-4 on penalties) and EURO 2020 champions Italy (3-0) respectively.
La Albiceleste's victory in 1993 was the last title that legendary midfielder Diego Maradona lifted with his national side. He scored the opening penalty in the shootout, and a couple of saves from goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea sealed the win.
Current captain Lionel Messi was named the man of the match in the 2022 edition. He set up the opener from Lautaro Martinez in the 28th minute, and also assisted Paulo Dybala in the 94th minute to seal the game.
Messi suffered multiple injuries in the 2024 Copa America which has threatened his future with the national team. He suffered a groin injury against Chile in the group stage, and was forced off the pitch in the final after an ankle injury.
It will be interesting to see if Messi can complete a full recovery before Argentina take on Lamine Yamal's Spain in the 2025 edition of the Finalissima.