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The past and future of Barcelona are set to clash with Lionel Messi set to face off against Lamine Yamal
Following Spain’s thrilling victory in the 2024 European Championship and Argentina’s triumphant Copa America campaign, it is now official that Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi will face off in the Finalissima 2025.
This would be the first notable interaction between Messi and Yamal after a now-famous photoshoot from 2007 has gone viral.
Yamal realises Finalissima dream after Euro 2024 win
This match-up is not just another chance at silverware for Spain and Argentina, as it also helps youngster Yamal potentially reach his dream of playing against his idol.
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The Barcelona youngster in a recent interview, shared his aspirations to play against his footballing idol, saying, “I hope Messi wins the Copa America and I win EURO 2024 so I can play against him in the Finalissima.”
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Yamal’s dream has now come true. After a stellar performance in Euro 2024, where he helped Spain clinch the title with a 2-1 victory over England, he now qualifies for the prestigious match alongside Messi, whose Argentina team also won the 2024 Copa America.
Argentina hoping to defend Finalissima crown
The eagerly anticipated Finalissima promises to be a spectacle, featuring Barcelona legend Messi and the player who has been anointed as his successor facing off.
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The Finalissima, which is an intercontinental football match organised by CONMEBOL and UEFA, pits the winners of the Copa America against the champions of the UEFA European Championship.
Messi and his Argentina teammates have already carved their name into the competition’s history after winning the last edition in 2022 when they defeated Italy and would be hoping to repeat the feat in 2025.
Yamal looking to defeat Messi after vanquishing Ronaldo
Standing in Messi and Argentina’s way is a youthful and dynamic Spain team led by the 17-year-old prodigy, Yamal, who has already proved his mettle against some of the best teams in the world.
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Yamal was named the Young Player of the Year as Spain won the Euros and was one of the stars of the tournament, scoring once, providing four assists, and creating eight big chances, the most of any player on record at a single Euros tournament.
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Three of Yamal’s assists came in the knockout stages against Georgia, Germany, and England, giving the Barcelona youngster one more assist than Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo at the business end of the competition despite playing only four matches to Ronaldo’s 13.
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