UEFA has officially confirmed that the upcoming edition of the Finalissima between Argentina national football team and Spain national football team has been cancelled.

The decision follows the ongoing political situation in the Middle East. The match was initially scheduled to be played in Qatar, but after discussions, both football federations were unable to reach an agreement on an alternative venue.

Sources indicate that players from both teams had made themselves available for the fixture and were prepared for the match to go ahead.

Among them was Lionel Messi, who would have had the opportunity to add another title to his illustrious career. Victory in the Finalissima could have seen the Argentine captain claim his 47th official team trophy.

With the cancellation now confirmed, that milestone will have to wait. Messi’s next opportunity to add to his international honours is expected to come at the next edition of the FIFA World Cup.

The Finalissima traditionally pits the winners of the European Championship against the champions of South America’s Copa América, making the cancellation a disappointment for fans who had anticipated a high-profile clash between two of international football’s strongest sides.