The cancellation of the next edition of the Finalissima left several revelations about the negotiations prior to the match between the Argentina national team and Spain. One of the most important was the position of the world champion coach, Lionel Scaloni, who was strongly opposed to the match being played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Refusal to play in Madrid
In recent days, Scaloni and his coaching staff closely followed the negotiations to define the venue for the match. However, the situation changed when the possibility arose that the match could be organized in Madrid.
According to reports, the coach did not look favorably on this alternative and conveyed his position to the Argentine Football Association.
Argentina’s position was clear: they were not willing to play the Finalissima at the Bernabeu.
From the coaching staff’s environment, a phrase was even leaked that reflected the discomfort with the situation:
“We don’t like this at all, they want to run us over.”
A match the squad did want to play
Despite the conflict over the venue, the Argentine coaching staff never refused to play the match against Spain. In fact, there was great expectation within the squad for this match.
The duel was seen as an ideal test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as it would allow them to measure themselves against one of the most competitive teams in European football.
Even the coaching staff had prepared a preliminary list of close to 40 players, with the aim of evaluating different options before defining the final squad for the World Cup.
A friendly against Qatar was also on the agenda
As part of the original plan, there was also a friendly match against the Qatar national team, scheduled to be played at the Lusail Stadium.
That match was also intended as a testing ground for players still fighting for a place in the final World Cup squad.
The plan after the cancellation
With the Finalissima finally cancelled, the coaching staff led by Scaloni is already working on an alternative. The main idea is to organise a friendly during the next FIFA date.
Meanwhile, the team is scheduled to meet at the Lionel Andres Messi complex in Ezeiza, where they will carry out a series of training sessions.
The possibility of playing a match in Argentina is also on the table, something that would allow the players to say goodbye to the local fans before the World Cup and spend time with their families.
Scaloni seeks clarity for the World Cup
Beyond the opponent or the scenario, the priority for the coach is clear: to bring the squad together and evaluate the players who are still fighting for a place in the final squad.
For the World Cup-winning coach, these pre-tournament matches are crucial in defining positions, adjusting the team’s performance and preparing for the defence of the World Cup title.
Now, the ball is in the court of the AFA, which will have to resolve the agenda to ensure that the next FIFA date meets the objective that Scaloni considers essential: to arrive at the World Cup with the team ready to compete once again for glory.
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