England could finally get the chance to face Lionel Messi and his Argentina if they manage to lift the Euro 2024 crown this Sunday.
UEFA and its South American counterparts came together to relaunch the “Conmebol–Uefa Cup of Champions” in 2020, replacing the former Artemio Franchi Cup created in 1985. As part of a 10-year “Memorandum of Understanding” between both confederations, it was agreed that the champions of both continents would face each other.
In 2022, Argentina crushed Italy 3-0 at Wembley in the so-called “Finalissima”. A year later, England’s triumphant Lionesses defeated Brazil on penalties, also under the Arch.
UEFA sources confirmed that the winners of Euro 2024 are planned to face the champions of the Copa América next summer. That match will be played in Europe, although the venue has not been confirmed.
And if England beats Spain, they would face Argentina or Colombia, who will meet in Miami in the early hours of Monday. If the 2022 World Cup champions emerge victorious, that could finally mean England facing Messi, who was an unused member of the Argentina squad when the teams last met in Geneva in 2005.
If the match takes place next summer, Messi would be 38 years old when he faces the Three Lions for the first time. It is unclear whether Messi will continue playing for his nation after the Copa América, but if he decides to stay until the 2026 World Cup, he would be expected to play in the upcoming Finalissima.
