When is the 2025 Finalissima?
- Copa America winners Argentina to face European champions Spain in 2025 Finalissima
- Wembley hosted 2022 event between Argentina and Italy
- Contest likely to be held in June 2025
Amid Argentina's second consecutive Copa America success in 2024, manager Lionel Scaloni called upon European teams to be invited to CONMEBOL's intercontinental tournament.
"I think the level is very even [between the European Championship and Copa America]. And, I would like a European team to one day be invited to a Copa America to see what it is like to play in a Copa America and the opposite, as well," he said ahead of Argentina's semi-final victory against Canada.
Well, Mr Scaloni. What you've got there is the start of another World Cup. 'Cup of the World', you could call it to avoid FIFA's lawyers.
The World Cup, of course, sees nations from the Americas and Europe collide, while those like Scaloni who are seemingly keen to assess which continent currently reigns supreme on a global scale have been further appeased by the reignition of the 'Finalissima'.
The 'grand final' will return in 2025 and here's everything you need to know about next year's contest for apparent global footballing supremacy.
What is the Finalissima?
The Finalissima pits the winners of the Copa America and European Championship against one another in a one-off bout.
The event was reignited in 2022 and won by Argentina, who downed Euro 2020 winners Italy 3-0 at Wembley.
A similar iteration of this contest had been played twice before in 1985 and 1993, but it was then dressed up as the Artemio Franchi Cup, European/South American Nations Cup and finally the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions. They certainly don't roll off the tongue quite like 'Finalissima', which is Italian for 'grand final'.
France won the first iteration in 1985 as they beat Uruguay 2-0 having emerged as one of the all-time great international teams at Euro 84. Argentina secured their first title in 1993, overcoming shock Euro 92 winners Denmark on penalties.
Who will play in the 2025 Finalissima?
Argentina will play in the Finalissima again in 2025 having won their second consecutive Copa America title. Scaloni's side were certainly more functional compared to years past and less reliant on the left boot of Lionel Messi, but they toppled a resurgent Colombia 1-0 in the final thanks to Lautaro Martinez's extra-time winner.
They'll be facing Spain after Luis de la Fuente's Roja enjoyed a dominant summer in Germany. By beating England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final, they became the first team since France at Euro 84 to win every single game at a European Championship.
Spain were the best team in the tournament by a distance and the Finalissima hands teenager Lamine Yamal the chance to face up against the GOAT who blessed him as a baby all those years ago.
When is the 2025 Finalissima?
Details are currently scarce regarding the 2025 Finalissima, including when exactly it will be held and the host stadium.
The 2022 iteration between Argentina and Italy was played on 1 June. Wembley Stadium in London hosted the contest having staged the Euro 2020 final the year before. UEFA and CONMEBOL will come together to decide whether the Finalissima will be held under the iconic arch or opt for a change of location.
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