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Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are set to face off in La Finalissima 2026, with the date and venue announced. The clash between Spain and Argentina will take place in Doha, Qatar, on March 27, 2026.
La Finalissima is a tournament that was re-established in 2022. It is a single match played between the Copa America and UEFA Euros winners. Lionel Messi-led Argentina won it in 2022, beating Italy 3-0 at Wembley Stadium.
La Albiceleste will again feature in the clash, having won the Copa America 2024. They beat Colombia 1-0 in the final. Meanwhile, Spain beat England 2-1 in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, with Lamine Yamal playing a key role. He scored one goal and provided four assists in seven appearances.
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La Finalissima 2026 will see Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal face off for the first time. Many have likened and compared the two due to their playing style and Barcelona connection.
Messi came through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and went on to become arguably the club's greatest player of all time. Meanwhile, Yamal has also graduated from La Masia and made his senior debut at just 15 in 2023. He has been an integral part of both Barcelona and Spain at just 18.
When Lionel Messi heaped praise on Lamine Yamal
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has often spoken highly about Lamine Yamal and heaped praise on him during an interview in April this year. Lionel Messi lauded his qualities and achievements and said that he still has to grow further like he did.
The Inter Miami superstar said:
"Impressive what Lamine Yamal shows, what he’s doing, and what he’s already done. He’s already been a Euro champion with Spain. He’s still only 17, he’s in a growth process, and he’ll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did. He has incredible qualities and he’s already one of the best players in the world.”
Yamal has scored 33 goals and provided 45 assists in 125 senior games for Barcelona, winning two LaLiga titles, among other honors. He has also contributed six goals and 12 assists in 23 games for Spain, winning the UEFA Euros. He also finished second in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings behind Ousmane Dembele.
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 games for Barcelona, winning four UEFA Champions League trophies, among other honors.
