Finalissima 2026: Spain vs Argentina in Qatar as Messi eyes return to Lusail

December 19, 2025 Oliver Obel

Lusail Stadium will return to the international spotlight in March 2026 when Argentina and Spain meet in the Finalissima, an infrequently staged match that brings together the champions of South America and Europe. The fixture places two of the world’s strongest national teams on neutral ground less than three months before the World Cup, adding extra significance to an already uncommon contest.

The game will be played on Friday, March 27, with kick-off set for 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT). Lusail, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final, can accommodate close to 89,000 spectators and is expected to draw fans from multiple continents.

According to Reuters, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani said Qatar was “proud to host this prestigious match between two champions,” describing the event as further evidence of confidence in the country’s ability to stage high-profile international sport.

A competition that appears only occasionally

The Finalissima occupies a unique place in international football. Rather than forming part of a regular tournament cycle, it has appeared sporadically across four decades. GIVEMESPORT reports that only three editions have been played since the concept was introduced in the 1980s.

The first, then known as the Artemio Franchi Cup, took place in Paris in 1985, where France defeated Uruguay 2-0. Argentina claimed the next edition in 1993, overcoming Denmark on penalties after a draw in Mar del Plata. The competition then vanished until 2022, when it was revived under its current name and staged at Wembley, where Argentina defeated Italy 3-0.

Messi’s return to Lusail

For Lionel Messi, the Finalissima offers a return to a stadium closely tied to the defining moment of his international career. Lusail was where he lifted the World Cup trophy after Argentina’s victory over France in 2022. Despite approaching the latter stages of his playing career, GIVEMESPORT notes that Messi is expected to be part of Argentina’s plans for the match.

The game may also provide a rare high-profile meeting between Messi and Spain’s teenage forward Lamine Yamal, who has emerged as one of European football’s most talked-about young players. While the two have previously shared football environments, opportunities for direct international matchups are likely to be limited.

Fine margins between elite sides

Both teams enter the fixture regarded as among the strongest in the international game, and expectations point toward a closely fought contest rather than a clear favourite.

Betting firm bwin has installed Spain as narrow favourites, pricing them at 5/4 to win the match, according to odds cited by GIVEMESPORT. Argentina follow at 15/8, figures that underline how evenly matched the sides are viewed ahead of a meeting that could preview a deeper World Cup clash later in the year.

Sources: GIVEMESPORT, Reuters