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The first Messi-Lamine Yamal face-off already has a date and venue: match of the century

The desired reunion: Messi and Lamine Yamal face to face

Soccer always delivers matches that define an era, but few can generate as much excitement as the one already taking shape on the horizon. The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has an almost confirmed venue and promises to become a historic event for world soccer.

This is an official tournament that pits the champions of the European Championship and Copa América against each other. In this case, Spain and Argentina will face off in a clash that blends tradition, quality, and new generations. It won't be just another match: on the field will be two names that represent the past and the future, Leo Messi and Lamine Yamal.

United States and Arabia, candidates

MB has learned that the organization of the match is in the midst of negotiations. United States and Saudi Arabia have submitted their proposals to host the clash. However, the venue with the best chance is Montevideo, which wants to give the duel a historic atmosphere.

A smiling man in a pink jacket in front of a soccer team's emblem.
Leo Messi will face Lamine Yamal, his heir at Barça and in world soccer | Getty Images, Madrid-Barcelona

One must not forget that Uruguay was the birthplace of the first World Cup in 1930. The Uruguayan capital remains an iconic place for soccer.

Talks between the federations are progressing and it is expected that in the coming days the final agreement could be reached. The intention is for the match to be played in March 2026, making it one of the major events on the international calendar.

Messi, in the final stage of his career

Soccer player wearing a pink Inter Miami jersey raising his hand in greeting
The Finalissima could be Messi's last major match in top-level soccer | Getty Images

Leo Messi arrives at this Finalissima in the twilight of his career. At 38, he remains Argentina's spiritual leader and a player capable of deciding matches with his undiminished talent.

For him, facing Spain will also be a reunion with a style of soccer that saw him grow and become a legend. He spent more than two decades at FC Barcelona.

The Argentine star has already lifted the World Cup, Copa América, and the previous Finalissima against Italy. This match could be one of the last opportunities to see him on the biggest stage.

Lamine Yamal, the heir

On the other side will be Lamine Yamal, just 18 and already established as the great gem of the Spanish national team, FC Barcelona, and European soccer. The winger has shown that he doesn't shy away from big challenges and stages and that he has everything it takes to become a legend.

The most symbolic detail is that Lamine has always acknowledged that Messi has been his idol since childhood. Facing him in an official match means closing a perfect circle: the heir face to face with the master.

A match for the history books

The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina will not only be a clash of champions, but also a generational showdown. Messi's experience against Lamine's youth will make headlines and attract worldwide attention.

The world of soccer is already waiting for that face-off that, due to the circumstances of life, has never happened at the national team level. It will be the first time and possibly the last.