Finalissima between Spain and Argentina poised for the Bernabéu | OneFootball

The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, set for 27 March in Qatar, is close to being moved to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu after days of talks over an alternative venue.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, sources at the RFEF have not closed a deal but consider a decision imminent. Argentina were initially reluctant to play in Spain, yet Madrid is emerging as the leading alternative with 15 days left and other venues unavailable.

The meeting of the Copa América and European champions had been set for Lusail, where Argentina beat France to the World Cup in December 2022. Escalating conflict in the Middle East has forced a change. Financial terms remain unresolved, a factor behind Qatari resistance to cancelling the game.

Security planning must also be resolved because Morocco face Ecuador in a friendly at the Metropolitano the same day, with both nations having sizeable communities in Madrid.

If all goes to plan, it would be the first time Leo Messi and Lamine Yamal meet on a pitch. Both are among the favourites for this summer’s World Cup, though enthusiasm is stronger in Spain than in Argentina, with Lionel Scaloni preferring a lower-profile tune-up. Ultimately, finances are decisive.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo