Spain speaks out after Messi is declared champion of the Finalissima

Spain immediately issued a rebuttal following the controversial remarks by the CONMEBOL president, who declared Argentina champion of the Finalissima even though the match against La Roja was canceled.

Tensions between the two top football nations escalated after CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez shocked with his statement that Argentina is the "two-time champion of the Finalissima," despite the match never taking place.

Previously, the showdown between Argentina and Spain was officially canceled due to failed negotiations between CONMEBOL and UEFA. The two sides could not agree on venue and timing, especially after the Middle East option was ruled out due to geopolitical circumstances.

Speaking at the Copa Libertadores draw ceremony, Dominguez even mocked European representatives by suggesting Argentina deserved to be recognized as the default champion. The South American football chief likened Spain's hesitation to "giving up," while asserting that Albiceleste remains the dominant force in the intercontinental competition.

“By forfeit, you are already the two-time champion of the Finalissima. It’s important to believe in yourselves; European football isn’t always the benchmark,” Dominguez stated.

Following these controversial remarks, Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente quickly responded. In a press conference, the Spanish strategist affirmed his team was always ready to play and was not the side responsible for the match collapsing.

“We always wanted to play the Finalissima. I said that before. The Spanish Football Federation and I were fully aligned on organizing this match. But football requires two teams, and we were ready,” de la Fuente emphasized.

He also noted that Spain had agreed to play in various venues such as Doha or Buenos Aires, but negotiations ultimately failed to reach a mutual agreement between the two federations.

After the Finalissima was canceled, the Spanish Football Federation promptly arranged alternative plans to ensure the preparation process for the World Cup. Accordingly, La Roja will play friendlies against Serbia on March 27 and Egypt on March 30, allowing coach de la Fuente to continue evaluating the squad.

“This is a crucial period for us to reconnect the team, especially since the squad hasn’t gathered since November. I thank the federation for its efforts to arrange the Argentina match, as well as the two replacement matches now,” he added.

Additionally, de la Fuente drew attention by calling up four goalkepers for this training camp, including Unai Simón, David Raya, Álex Remiro, and Joan García. He stated this is not a problem but a positive sign, showing depth and healthy competition within Spain's squad.

Although the anticipated clash between Lionel Messi and Spain's young generation like Lamine Yamal could not happen, the statements from both sides are heating up this rivalry in another way, sparking an endless verbal battle between the two world-leading football federations.