argentina captain Lionel Messi Was disappointed after the cancellation finalissimaThe match was billed as an important competitive occasion, a source confirmed to ESPN.
According to the source, the Inter Miami captain wanted to ambitiously approach the match as a serious final before the World Cup and was not involved in the discussions that led to the cancellation.
The match between CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 winners Argentina and spainUEFA Euro 2024 champion, originally scheduled to play in Qatar on March 27 being canceled Due to the ongoing conflict in the area.
“After considerable discussion between UEFA and the organizing authorities in Qatar, it is today announced that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalsima cannot be played in Qatar as expected,” UEFA announced on Sunday. “UEFA explored other possible options but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentine Football Association.”
CONMEBOL released a statement saying that other venues and dates were considered, but UEFA rejected those options. The release said the Argentine Football Association on Saturday “accepted the idea without any objections, except for the date, which suggested March 31. Unfortunately, UEFA announced that holding the match on the 31st – just four days later than the original proposal – was not possible, and the Finalísima was cancelled.”
However, contrary to other reports, Messi played no role in the extensive negotiation process that involved UEFA, CONMEBOL and local organizing committees, a source confirmed to ESPN.
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A source said the Argentina captain saw the game as an opportunity to win the 49th team title of his career.
Messi is the most decorated player in soccer history, winning his latest trophy with Inter Miami in the MLS Cup in December.
