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Lionel Messi Set to Face Lamine Yamal in Anticipated Match
Manuel Cortina/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Lionel Messi Set to Face Lamine Yamal in Anticipated Match

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Emmanuel Mendez  |  Last updated May 16, 2025 5:11 PM ET

UEFA confirmed the plans to have Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Lamine Yamal's Spain in a 'Finalissima' Final soon. This final match is determined by the champions' status in Europe and South America, the two strongest continents in soccer. 

In a statement made by UEFA, the governing body confirmed that the first meeting for organizing this match was held today in Asunción, Paraguay.

UEFA: "Representatives of CONMEBOL, UEFA, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) held their first face-to-face meeting for the organisation of the men's Finalissima, where the champions of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 and UEFA EURO 2024 will play against each other. The objective was to begin coordinating preparations for this prestigious fixture, which in this edition will be contested between the national teams of Argentina and Spain."

The statement did not confirm a date for this anticipated fixture between two of the best national teams in the world. They mentioned that more information about the match would be announced at a suitable time. Rumors suggest it could be planned for next year, before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina Won the Previous 'Finalissima'

Argentina won the CONMEBOL Copa America last summer in the United States by defeating Colombia 1-0 in the final. Spain won the UEFA EURO in Germany by defeating England 2-1 in the final, which was also last summer.

This will be the second Finalissima match organized by UEFA and CONMEBOL after relaunching it back in 2020. It was formerly known as the "Artemio Franchi Cup", named after former UEFA president Artemio Franchi. 

The return of this 'UEFA-CONMEBOL Final' happened in 2022. In the final, the match was between Argentina, the winners of the 2021 Copa America, and Italy, the winners of EURO 2020. Argentina defeated Italy 3-0 to win the 2022 Finalissima Trophy at Wembley Stadium. 

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and many fear that his retirement is close. With this announcement, many hope he can play in this match to face off against one of the most exciting talents in the world, Lamine Yamal.

Yamal and Messi have never played against or with each other. The Spanish youngster is an admirer of Messi and is often compared to him.

Yamal has shut down those comparisons to Messi and even spoke about it after winning La Liga with FC Barcelona yesterday.

Messi has recently spoken about Yamal and is impressed by the quality of the player, especially due to his age.

Lionel Messi: "It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal is showing, what he’s doing and what he’s already done. He’s already been a Euro Cup champion with Spain. He’s only 17 years old, he’s in the middle of a growth process, and he’ll continue to grow as a player and contribute things to his game, just like I did."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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