De la Fuente Targets Showdown with Messi in Finalissima After Spain’s Dramatic 2026 World Cup Qualification

When two titans like Spain and Argentina square off, especially with a spotlight on the rising star Lamine Yamal and the legend Lionel Messi, you know it’s more than just a game—it’s a saga brewing. Now that Spain’s nailed their place for the 2026 World Cup, Luis de la Fuente has shifted gears, eyes locked on what promises to be a clash for the ages against La Albiceleste. Both federations have penciled in the Finalissima for March’s international break, but this showdown hinged on Spain’s latest qualifying results—a nail-biting 2–2 draw with Türkiye sealed their spot at the top of Group E, marking an almost flawless UEFA run. De la Fuente didn’t hide his excitement postmatch, yet he also hinted at the bittersweet wait before the two sides meet, promising a spectacle that’s truly special for Spanish football. This isn’t just about a trophy; it’s about settling an epic rivalry that’s tied even at six wins apiece. With Messi and Yamal on track to face off officially for the first time, tensions and anticipation are sky-high. You can feel the electric charge already. LEARN MORE

The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina has been one of the most discussed matchups in recent months, not only because it features a generational showdown between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, but also due to the uncertainty surrounding its staging. After officially securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has now turned his attention toward the showdown with La Albiceleste.

With a date already circled by the Argentine and Spanish FAs for the March international window, the match depended entirely on Spain clinching World Cup qualification during November’s fixtures. After a 2–2 draw against Türkiye on Tuesday the 18th, La Roja locked up first place in Group E with 16 points from six games, completing an almost flawless run through UEFA qualifying.

During his postmatch press conference, De la Fuente spoke about the excitement surrounding the Finalissima while also acknowledging the challenges ahead: “As for the Finalissima, we’re very excited about it, but the pity is that we have to wait four months until we can get together again. We already have the foundations on our opponent, Argentina, and it will be a great match. It’s very special for Spanish football to play that final.”

In the November window, Spain dealt with the sudden absence of star Lamine Yamal amid controversy over Barcelona’s handling of his pubalgia issue. Other key absences included Dean Huijsen, Unai Simón, and Isco, all of whom De la Fuente considers important pieces of his project.

Fermin Lopez of Spain acknowledges the fan after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier vs. Türkiye.

La Roja’s manager also emphasized his desire to face Messi’s side at full strength. “We hope to have all the players available so we can bring the best footballers Spain has and try to compete to win this competition,” De la Fuente said. With the all-time head-to-head even at six wins apiece and two draws, Argentina and Spain now have a chance to break the deadlock with silverware on the line.

see also

Argentina’s Mastantuono explains the Messi trait that impresses him most: ‘It surprises me a lot’

When will the Finalissima take place?

The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain is scheduled for the March international window, set to be played between Thursday the 26th and Saturday the 28th at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. With only the formal confirmation outstanding, Messi and Yamal are on track to face each other for the first time in an official match, even before the World Cup.

After the 2022 Finalissima, and with Argentina winning the 2024 Copa América and Spain lifting the 2024 Euros, fans immediately anticipated another meeting between the South American and European champions. But because of congested schedules, this edition was postponed multiple times over the past year and a half, and only now is it finally set to go ahead.