03/05/26 08:59:00
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03/05 04:19 CST War-hit Qatar still plans to host Argentina-Spain game with
Messi and Yamal for UEFA
War-hit Qatar still plans to host Argentina-Spain game with Messi and Yamal for
UEFA
NYON, Switzerland (AP) --- UEFA still plans for Qatar to stage the Argentina
vs. Spain game known as Finalissima this month even as the emirate is targeted
by Iranian missiles in the widening Middle East war started by Israel and the
United States.
"At present, there are no alternative venues being considered," UEFA said on
Thursday about the scheduled March 27 game in Doha between the reigning
champions of South America and Europe in a likely matchup of Lionel Messi and
Lamine Yamal.
"A final decision is anticipated towards the end of next week," said the
European soccer body which organizes the game with South American counterpart
CONMEBOL.
Argentina and Spain are due to play at Lusail Stadium that staged the epic 2022
World Cup final. Argentina won a penalty shootout against France after Messi
scored twice and Kylian Mbapp got a hat track in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Qatar has close relations with UEFA. Its top soccer official Nasser
Al-Khelafi, the president of Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, is a member of
the UEFA executive committee.
"Discussions are ongoing with the local organizers who have made a huge effort
to make the match a success," UEFA said.
If Doha is too much of a security risk to host the game, it could be moved to
Spain or elsewhere in Europe where nearly all the players in the two squads are
based.
The first Finalissima was at Wembley Stadium in London in June 2022. Argentina
and Messi beat Italy 3-0.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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