According to journalist Joaquim Piera, all signs are pointing towards the game taking place in the United States in June-July 2025. Argentina’s recent victory in the Copa America against Colombia has generated a lot of excitement for a potentially historic encounter between Lionel Messi and the promising young talent Lamine Yamal. If the match comes to fruition, it will be part of the Finalissima, where the winners of the Copa America and UEFA European Championship will face off. Since Lamine Yamal’s impressive performance in UEFA Euro 2024, comparisons to Lionel Messi have been a common topic of discussion.
Yamal has openly expressed his admiration for the Argentine player and his desire to face him in a competitive match. With Argentina winning the Copa America and Spain securing the European Championship, it seemed like the stage was set for their confrontation in the Finalissima 2025.
Yamal’s rise and playing style have drawn unavoidable comparisons to Messi. They both bring a similar flair and creativity to the field, adding to the excitement of a potential matchup between them. However, uncertainty looms over when this dream encounter will take place due to scheduling issues.
The Finalissima in 2022, after a thirty-year hiatus, saw Argentina emerge victorious over Italy with a 3-0 win. This event reignited interest in the competition, leading to high anticipation for a potential showdown between Argentina and Spain in 2025. Yet, finding a suitable date for this match has proven to be challenging, as reported by Diario AS.
The game is currently tentatively set for June 2025, a year before the World Cup. However, a significant conflict arises due to the Club World Cup, scheduled to run from June 15 to July 13 in the USA. This conflict poses a challenge for organizing the anticipated matchup.
The scheduling of the Champions League final on May 31, along with upcoming FIFA international dates, adds a layer of complexity for Spain. Their commitments to the Nations League, including the quarter-finals in March 2025 and semi-finals in early June, only add to the already congested calendar.
There may be a brief window of opportunity between June 8 and 15 if Spain fails to qualify for the Nations League. However, conflicting World Cup qualifiers for Argentina during this period make it challenging to coordinate schedules. Another potential option could be in March 2026, nearly two years after the continental championships.
One exciting possibility could see Lionel Messi facing off against Lamine Yamal at Finalissima 2025.
It is possible that Lionel Messi may go up against Lamine Yamal in the 2025 Finalissima. The introduction of the 32-team Club World Cup has received criticism, with even Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressing concerns. Player unions are also worried about the strain on players. However, clubs are likely to support the new schedule due to financial benefits. In 2021, CONMEBOL and UEFA agreed to collaborate and increase revenues, leading to the creation of three editions of the Finalissima. While the first took place in Europe, there is a push for future editions to be held in the Americas to strengthen soccer in both regions. Currently, the 2025 Finalissima is reportedly postponed due to the busy schedules of the teams and conflicting events.
The Champions League, Europa League, Intercontinental Cup, and Club World Cup all present significant challenges.
According to reports, FIFA is looking into moving the event to 2026, potentially in March of that year. This timing would fit into FIFA’s schedule and lead up to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The location for the 2025 tournament is also being debated. While the initial event was held at Wembley, there is now interest in holding future games in the Americas.
The ultimate decision will be based on the discussions that are currently taking place between Conmebol and UEFA, with an expected resolution in the near future.