Finalissima in doubt as Qatar suspension sparks venue search, Miami mooted with Messi

The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina , scheduled for 27 March at Lusail in Doha, is in doubt after the bombing of Iran by Israel and the United States and the Qatar Football Association suspended all football competitions.

The match is being staged by Qatar’s Supreme Committee, which had agreed to organise and pay both teams for the Finalissima and a Spain friendly against Egypt at the same venue. With no clause covering military attacks, Qatar could avoid the payout if the game does not go ahead in Doha.

UEFA and CONMEBOL resumed talks on Monday to assess whether to proceed in Qatar or move the fixture, with player safety central. The fixture’s fate hinges on who would fund it if moved, and Miami was the first alternative raised, with Lionel Messi’s presence seen as crucial for sponsors.

The Spanish federation is working off a figure of around 10 million euros in expected revenue, and is keen to salvage as much as possible. Spain are considered more eager to play than Argentina , with Lionel Scaloni wary of facing Luis de la Fuente’s side so close to the World Cup. London, Madrid, Rome and Paris have also been floated as potential hosts.

“We know negotiations are under way. While it cannot be played in Qatar, the solution would be to find another venue for the Finalissima with Argentina ,” said Luis de la Fuente, speaking to Radio Nacional.

If played, this would be the fourth edition of the event. Argentina have won two of the three to date, most recently beating Italy 3-0 at Wembley in 2022 after the competition was revived from editions in 1985 and 1993. In 1985 France defeated Uruguay 2-0, and in 1993 Argentina beat Denmark on penalties 5-4 after a 1-1 draw, when it was known as the Artemio Franchi Cup.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo