TThe cancellation of the upcoming Finalissima left some revelations about the pre-match negotiations between the Argentina national team and Spain. One of the most important was the position of world champion coach Lionel Scaloni, who was strongly opposed to the match being held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Refusal to play in Madrid
In recent days, Scaloni and his coaching staff have been closely monitoring negotiations to determine the venue for the game. However, the situation changed when the possibility of the match being held in Madrid emerged.
According to reports, the coach is not favorable to this alternative and has communicated his position to the Argentine Football Association.
Argentina’s position was clear. They had no intention of playing the Finalissima at the Bernabéu.
Comments from those around the coaching staff reflected their displeasure with the situation.
“We don’t like this at all. They want to run us over.”
The game the team wanted to play
Despite the conflict over the venue, Argentina’s coaching staff did not refuse to play Spain. In fact, there were high expectations for this match within the team.
The duel was seen as an ideal test for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they would be able to test themselves against one of the most competitive teams in European football.
The coaching staff had also drawn up a preliminary list of nearly 40 players, with the aim of evaluating various options before deciding on the final World Cup squad.
A friendly match against Qatar was also on the agenda.
As part of the original plan, a friendly match against Qatar was also scheduled at Lusail Stadium.
The match was also intended as a testing ground for players still fighting for a spot in the final World Cup squad.
Schedule after cancellation
With Finalissima finally cancelled, Scaloni’s coaching staff is already working on alternatives. The main idea is to organize a friendly match during the next FIFA edition.
Meanwhile, the team will meet at the Lionel Andres Messi complex in Ezeiza, where they will conduct a series of training sessions.
The possibility of playing matches in Argentina is also being considered, which would allow the players to say goodbye to their home fans and spend time with their families before the World Cup.
Scaloni seeks clarity ahead of World Cup
Beyond opponents and scenarios, a coach’s priorities are clear. It is about uniting the team and evaluating the players who are still fighting for a spot in the final team.
For World Cup-winning coaches, these pre-tournament games are crucial in determining positions, adjusting the team’s performance and preparing to defend the World Cup title.
The ball is now in AFA’s court and the agenda needs to be resolved to ensure that the next FIFA calendar achieves what Scaloni considers an essential goal: going into the World Cup with a team ready to compete for glory once again.
