Argentina’s ‘Finalissima’ with Spain is back on the table after the World Cup final.
ESPN Argentina report that the fixture between the European and South American champions could be played in November.
The traditional game was initially scheduled for March in Qatar, but was called off after the US-Israeli invasion of Iran.
An alternative venue wasn’t produced, and Argentina seemed to have little interest in accommodating one, according to both reports and statements from Lionel Scaloni.
However, with Argentina losing the World Cup final 1-0, they now appear keen on getting the match back on.
All parties want a November Finalissima
The report adds that the Qatari government still have the rights to the match and intend for it to go ahead.
FIFA are also keen, and both parties are already in talks to get a fixture planned.
One major hitch is that Spain have Nations League matches planned for the November break against England and Czechia.
The match could operate as somewhat of a farewell, with Scaloni suggesting he’s unlikely to continue when his contract expires in December.
Why the clash could be Scaloni’s final match
In an emotional post-final press conference, he said: “I’ll talk to the president; I already have a general idea of what I want to do.
“I’ll fulfil my contract (it expires in December) and then I’ll see. I also feel the need to think.”
He then began to cry as he said: “I feel the need to think. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do something as big as this, and maybe we’ll have to talk about it.
“I’m grateful to the president for giving me this opportunity to be here…”
The room applauded and Scaloni wiped away the tears before continuing.
He added: “Being where I am is like being in everyone’s dream place.
“We tried until the very last moment to give our all as a coaching staff and as players, and I think it’s only fair that I take this time to reflect.
“This place is wonderful, wonderful, a dream place. I never thought…
“I need to stop, I’m not capable [of talking].
“The coaching staff and I never imagined we’d be here. So, to continue, a lot of things are needed.
“To reset, to form a group like this, which will hardly ever be formed again. And it hurts me deeply. I’m sorry.”
Lionel Messi and Emi Martinez have also suggested their international careers could be over, meaning the clash may operate as a giant farewell.
Why was the original Finalissima cancelled?
The Finalissima was originally called off in March and UEFA blamed Argentina.
They said in a statement: “The first option was to hold the match at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid on the original date, with a 50% fan capacity.
“This would have provided a world-class setting, befitting such a prestigious event, but Argentina refused.
“The second option was to play the Finalissima over two legs: one at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 27 and the other in Buenos Aires during an international window before the 2028 European Championship and Copa América, again offering a 50% fan capacity for the match in Madrid. This option was also rejected.
“Finally, UEFA requested a commitment from Argentina that, if a neutral venue could be found in Europe, the match could be held on March 27, as originally planned and announced on December 18, 2025, or on the alternative date of March 30. This proposal was also rejected.
“Argentina submitted a counterproposal to play the match after the World Cup, but, given that Spain had no available dates, that option had to be discarded.
“Finally, and contrary to the initially agreed plan for the match to be played on March 27, Argentina declared its availability to play exclusively on March 31, a date that proved unfeasible. As a result, and much to UEFA’s regret, this edition of the Finalissima has been cancelled.”
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