Camp Nou dreaming of hosting Spain-Argentina Finalissima

FC Barcelona has offered to host the fourth edition of the UEFA-CONMEBOL Cup of Champions, also known as the “Finalissima,” according to a new report.

The match between Euro 2024 winners Spain and back-to-back Copa América champions Argentina is most likely to take place in March 2026, although there is an attempt to hold it towards the end of 2025 if possible.

Barcelona would be hosting the match in a renovated Camp Nou, in what in all likelihood would be Lionel Messi’s last competitive match at his former home. Besides having a trophy on the line, the game would be the first competitive meeting between Messi and Lamine Yamal, the youngster who has wowed everyone for club and country. The two met, improbably, when Yamal was a baby and Messi famously took a picture bathing the youngster for a charity calendar.

Club President Joan Laporta has said that he wants to have a tribute match to Messi at the renovated Camp Nou, which to this point, has been rumored to be a friendly between Barcelona and Inter Miami, Messi’s current club side. However, the Finalissima could be an alternative proposition.

The report says that the organizers are looking first and foremost for the match that will generate the most money, which could potentially make the stadium in Catalonia an attractive proposition. However, Argentina would have to agree to play for the trophy in Spanish territory.

Argentina are the current Finalissima holders, having beaten Italy 3-0 at Wembley Stadium in England. It was previously known as the Artemio Franchi Cup. The first edition was won by France in 1985, followed by a win in 1993 by Argentina over Denmark on penalties.