Martinez then addressed the elephant in the room: “Thank goodness (the Finalissima wasn’t played), if we had played like this we would’ve lost.”
Argentina had no choice but to approach Mauritania and Zambia after seeing their clash against European champions Spain in Qatar, as well as a subsequent friendly against the 2022 World Cup hosts, called off at late notice due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.
All of the more competitive countries had already locked in other commitments, and though the Finalissima could have been moved to the Bernabeu, Argentina baulked at the idea of playing such a fixture in front of what likely would have been a partisan Spanish crowd.
Yes, a defeat may have been on the cards, because Martinez is right about Argentina not being in optimal shape, but it would have been far more beneficial than two half-hearted run-outs. Nicolas Tagliafico pointed out as much in his refreshingly honest reaction to the cancellationsaying: “If we put the title and the Finalissima aside, it was going to be an important match because you’re facing a team that you know also has a chance to compete for the World Cup. That helps you, it gives you a benchmark. It shows us where we might stand, and whether there are things to improve.”
The 2022 Finalissima was certainly important for Argentina, as Messi and Di Maria led a scintillating 3-0 triumph over Euro 2020 winners Italy. Without that, easy friendly wins against the UAE, Jamaica, Honduras and Estonia would have been the only “benchmark”, and confidence in the squad that went to Qatar wouldn’t have been as high.
It also served to drum up anticipation for supporters, which the 2026 World Cup desperately needs amid constant conversation about off pitch-issues. Add to that the fact that the world was robbed of Messi facing off against his Barcelona successor, Lamine Yamal, and the whole saga leaves a very bitter taste.
