Lionel Messi disappointed by UEFA's historic decision

According to ESPN, Argentina captain Lionel Messi expressed disappointment after the Finalissima was canceled, as he viewed it as a crucial competitive opportunity ahead of the World Cup.

The star currently playing for Inter Miami wanted to approach this match with high ambition, considering it a "real final" before entering the World Cup. However, according to sources, Messi did not participate in the discussions leading to the decision to cancel the match.

The Finalissima between the Argentina national team, the 2024 Copa América champion of CONMEBOL, and the Spain national team, the UEFA Euro 2024 champion, was initially scheduled to take place in Qatar on March 27. However, the match was canceled due to the ongoing conflict situation in the region.

UEFA announced on Sunday, March 15: "After numerous discussions between UEFA and the organizing bodies in Qatar, today we announce that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima cannot take place in Qatar as planned. UEFA considered feasible alternative options, but ultimately all were not accepted by the Argentine Football Association."

Meanwhile, CONMEBOL also issued a statement indicating that other venues and times had been considered, but UEFA rejected these options. The statement noted that the Argentine Football Association on Saturday had "accepted the idea of organizing the match without objection, except for the issue of the match date, when proposing a postponement to March 31."

"However, UEFA announced that organizing the match on March 31, only four days later than the initial proposal, was not feasible, and therefore the Finalissima was canceled."

According to sources from ESPN, contrary to some previous information, Messi played no role whatsoever in the complex negotiation process between UEFA, CONMEBOL, and local organizing committees. The source also stated that the Argentina captain viewed this match as an opportunity to secure his 49th collective career title .

Messi is currently the player with the most titles in football history. His most recent title came last December when he led Inter Miami to victory in the MLS Cup.