Source: Lionel Messi not involved in Finalissima cancellation, wanted pre-World Cup final

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was disappointed after the match was called off. Finalissimoviewing the match as a vital competitive opportunity, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The Inter Miami captain was looking to approach the match ambitiously, as a serious final before the World Cup and was not involved in the discussions that led to the cancellation, according to the source.

The match between CONMEBOL 2024 Copa America winners Argentina and UEFA EURO 2024 champions Spain was originally scheduled to be played in Qatar on March 27 before being canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

“After numerous discussions between UEFA and the Qatari organizing authorities, it is announced today that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima will not be able to be played as hoped in Qatar,” UEFA announced on Sunday. “UEFA explored other feasible alternatives, but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentine Football Federation.”

CONMEBOL released a statement saying alternative locations and dates were being considered, but UEFA rejected those options. The statement said the Argentine Football Federation “accepted the idea without objection, except for the date, suggesting March 31. Unfortunately, UEFA announced that holding the match on the 31st – just four days later than the initial proposal – was not possible, and the Finalissima was cancelled.”

Contrary to other reports, Messi played no role in the extensive negotiation process involving UEFA, CONMEBOL and local organizing committees, a source confirmed to ESPN.

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A source said the Argentina captain saw this match as an opportunity to secure the 49th team title of his career.

Messi is the most decorated player in soccer history, winning his last trophy with Inter Miami in the MLS Cup in December.