Finalissima 2025: Messi’s Argentina, Yamal’s Spain set for showdown
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The stage is set for the 2025 Finalissima, pitting Copa América 2024 champions Argentina against Euro 2024 winners Spain in a clash of continental titans.
This prestigious match, also known as the “grand final,” continues a tradition that began in 1985, bringing together the best teams from UEFA and CONMEBOL.
The upcoming contest promises to be a captivating spectacle, featuring the legendary Lionel Messi leading Argentina against a rising Spanish side spearheaded by 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal.
Interestingly, Messi and Yamal’s only previous encounter was during a photoshoot in 2007, which has since gone viral.
Prior to the Euro 2024 finals, Yamal expressed his aspirations to RAC1, stating, “I hope Messi wins the Copa América and I win the Euros, so I can play against him in the Finalissima.”
The young star’s wish has indeed come true, setting the stage for an intergenerational clash of football talent.
The inaugural Finalissima in 2022 saw Messi’s Argentina triumph over Italy with a convincing 3-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.
Building on this success, Argentina will be eager to defend their title, albeit without the services of Ángel Di María, who recently retired from international football. The 36-year-old forward had announced that Copa América 2024 would mark his final appearance for his country.
While the exact date for the 2025 Finalissima is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to take place in the summer, following the pattern set by the 2022 edition, which was held on June 1.
This highly anticipated match will serve as a highlight in the international football calendar, occurring during a period with no major European or South American competitions apart from FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
The Finalissima offers a unique opportunity for fans to witness top-tier international competition outside of the World Cup cycle. It will be the last major international tournament before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
