Lionel Messi might face Euro 2020 winner Italy in a ‘Super Cup’ just days after leading Argentina to their first Copa America victory in 28 years.
South America’s football governing body, has proposed that UEFA conduct a one-off match between Argentina and Italy to determine the superior squad.
Previously, the FIFA Confederations Cup pitted the winners of each confederation’s tournament against one another. However, the game has been cancelled. The Confederations Cup was last held in Russia in 2017, with Germany emerging victorious.
Argentina and Lionel Messi will have to wait to compete against Italy, despite the request. The proposed game will be played before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to the global pandemic and scheduling conflicts in club football.
It’s worth mentioning that pitting European and South American champions against each other isn’t a new concept. In 1985 and 1993, the Artemio Franchi Trophy was held. France won the competition for the first time in 1990, defeating Uruguay 2-0, while Argentina triumphed in 1993, defeating Denmark.
Argentina’s last Copa America victory, before 2021, was won in Denmark when they faced the European champions. It appears that history will repeat itself.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to their first international trophy in 28 years earlier this week. Angel di Maria’s first-half goal helped La Albiceleste overcome home favourites Brazil in the final.
Lionel Messi was the most outstanding player in the Copa America de 2021. The 33-year-old scored four goals while also assisting on five others. Messi won the Best Player title as well as the Top Scorer accolade.
Messi will seek to extend his fantastic summer by signing a new two-year contract with Barcelona after winning the Copa America.
In his international career, the Argentine has never faced Italy. It will be a first for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner if a match between Argentina and Italy goes forward.
