Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández was among the Argentina players complaining after the planned Finalissima clash with Spain fell through, with the fixture quietly dropping off the calendar after weeks of back-and-forth.
The game had initially been lined up for March in Qatar. However, rising political tension in the region made that option unworkable, forcing UEFA and CONMEBOL to look for alternatives. From there, things became messy.
How the Finalissima drifted away
Several solutions were put on the table. UEFA pushed to keep the match in Europe and play it within the current international window. Spain were open to that, with Madrid seen as a realistic host.
Argentina and CONMEBOL were not fully on board. They preferred a more neutral venue, or even delaying the game altogether. There was also reluctance to accept a one-off final in Europe.
As talks dragged on, no middle ground was found. With no agreement on where or when to play, and no real pressure to force a decision, the match simply drifted away.
Instead of a high-profile final, Argentina will now face Mauritania and Zambia in friendlies at La Bombonera.
Fernández makes his feelings clear
Enzo Fernández did not hide his disappointment when speaking to TyC Sports after arriving back in Argentina.
“Obviously I would have liked to play the Finalissima, to represent my country in a final. Because of the problems that happened, it couldn’t be played, so now we have to enjoy the friendlies with my teammates,” he said.
The Chelsea midfielder also made it clear he still hopes the game can happen at some point.
“I would like it to be played in the future. It’s a final and hopefully we can play it.”
He also addressed the level of the upcoming opposition, comparing it to Argentina’s preparation before the 2022 World Cup.
“When we played before the World Cup (Qatar 2022), there weren’t very demanding friendlies either. We try to take responsibility regardless of the opponent and do our best.”
Fernández was also asked about fresh speculationlinking him with Real Madrid upon his arrival in Argentina, and he quickly shut it down.
“Nothing, zero talks [with Real Madrid]. I’m focused on Chelsea, what’s left of the season, and after the World Cup we’ll see,” he said, making it clear his immediate priority remains at Stamford Bridge despite ongoing rumours.
There was also a more personal note, with Fernández enjoying being back home.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to the country, I missed this a lot. Obviously, being here with the people is something I missed deeply.”
What happens next
For now, there is no clear plan to reschedule the Finalissima.
That leaves Fernández and Argentina focusing on routine fixtures, even if the feeling inside the squad is clear. They wanted the game, and from the players’ side at least, there is still hope it will eventually be played.
As for Enzo Fernández and Chelsea, like he said, he’ll see how things stand after the World Cup. That tournament will be at the core of the midfielder’s thoughts right now.
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— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 22, 2026