Claudio Chiqui Tapia, the President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has voiced his preference for the upcoming Finalissima between Argentina and Spain to be held at River Plate's Estadio Monumental rather than at Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu, despite strong international speculation favoring the latter. Tapia emphasized the need to work towards finalizing a venue, asserting Argentina's desire to host this prestigious match at home, where they can celebrate their Copa América triumph in front of local fans.

The match, which was originally slated for March 27 in Doha, faced changes regarding its location due to various logistical issues. Tapia's assertions come in contrast to the notion that the Bernabéu was almost confirmed as the venue after multiple international media reports suggested this. His comments reveal the AFA's determination not only to bring the game home but also to promote local engagement and support from Argentine fans, in light of their recent football successes.

The Finalissima is set to be a significant encounter, pitting Argentina, the Copa América champions, against Spain, the Eurocup winners, highlighting the best of each continent's footballing prowess. The increasing interest and discussions surrounding the match suggest a strong desire from both sides to participate in an event that showcases their footballing achievements, with the venue decision playing a crucial role in its overall success and reception.