Lionel Messi will face Lamine Yamal when Argentina take on Spain in the Finalissima at the site of their 2022 World Cup triumph.
Argentina will return to the stadium where Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022 to take on Spain in the Finalissima.
Details for the clash between the Copa America winners and the European Champions were confirmed on Thursday.
And it will take place at a stadium that holds extremely happy memories for Messi and Co.
Where is the 2026 Finalissima?
The 2026 Finalissima will be staged in Qatar at the Lusail Stadium.
That was the scene for the epic World Cup final between Argentina and France, which saw La Albiceleste prevail on penalties after an absorbing 3-3 draw.
Spain did not play at the Lusail Stadium in the 2022 World Cup, which they exited in the last 16.
When is the 2026 Finalissima?
The 2026 Finalissima will kick off at 9pm local time (6pm UK) on March 27, 2026.
Messi set for Yamal clash
The meeting between Argentina and Spain will mark the first between Messi and Spain star Lamine Yamal.
Yamal has taken the mantle from Messi as the leading light at Barcelona, helping them to a LaLiga and Copa del Rey double last season.
That campaign followed victory for Spain at Euro 2024, which Yamal lit up as he won the award for Best Young Player. Spain overcame England 2-1 in the final to lift the trophy a day after Yamal’s 18th birthday.
On the same day, Messi and Argentina secured Copa America glory by beating Colombia 1-0 after extra time thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s winner.
Now 38 and plying his trade for Inter Miami, the clash may be Messi’s only opportunity to go against Yamal. Argentina and Spain, both among the favourites for the World Cup, can only meet each other in that tournament in the final of what is likely to be Messi’s final international competition.
