War-Hit Qatar Still Plans To Host Argentina-Spain Game With Messi, Yamal For UEFA

Nyon: UEFA plans for Qatar to stage the Argentina-Spain match, known as the Finalissima, this month, despite the Emirates being the target of Iranian missiles in the growing Middle East war initiated by Israel and the US.

“There is no alternative venue currently under consideration,” UEFA said on Thursday about the possible clash between the reigning champions of South America and Europe, scheduled for March 27 in Doha, between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

The European football body, which organizes the match with its South American counterpart CONMEBOL, said, “The final decision is expected to be made towards the end of next week.”

Argentina and Spain will play at the Lusail Stadium, where the 2022 World Cup final is staged. Argentina won the penalty shoot-out against France with Messi scoring twice and Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat track to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Qatar has close relations with UEFA. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president and senior football official of Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, is a member of the UEFA executive committee.

UEFA said: “Negotiations are ongoing with local organizers who are making great efforts to make the match a success.”

If Doha poses too much of a security risk to host the match, it could be moved to Spain or elsewhere in Europe, where nearly all players from both teams are located.

The first Finalissima was played at Wembley Stadium in London in June 2022. Argentina and Messi beat Italy 3-0.