Qatar 2022 is just around the corner and Argentina continue to prove why they should be considered a heavy candidate to win the FIFA World Cup. TheCopa America reigning champions secured another trophy on Wednesday by beating Italy3-0 in a much anticipatedFinalissima.
The idea has been on the making for a while, and fortunately for all soccer fans, CONMEBOL and UEFA reached an agreement to organize this thrilling Finalissima, which FIFA will count as an official title.
While this may have been something new for many people, thisfinalbetween South American and European champions has already been played many years ago. Here, take a look at its history and previous winners.
How many times has the Finalissima been played before?
While the Argentina-Italy game wasthe first Finalissima under its current name, it wasnotthe first time that Copa America and European Championship winners faced each other in a single-leg finalfor an intercontinental trophy.
The Finalissima was preceded by theArtemio Franchi Trophy, which was held on just two occasions (1985 and 1993)before FIFA decided to discontinue it in favor ofthe Confederations Cup, which was abolished in 2019.
List by year of all CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions winners
The first edition of the Artemio Franchi Trophy – an official title recognized by FIFA –was held in 1985, when Copa Americareigning champs Uruguay faced European winners France at the Parc des Princes in Paris. On that occasion, the hosts won 2-0.
CONMEBOL and UEFA champions lastfaced off forthis trophy in 1993, when Diego Maradona‘s Argentina defeated Denmark on penaltiesaftera 1-1 draw in regular time. Nearly 30 years later, La Albiceleste regained the intercontinental prize.
| Year | Champion | Runner-up |
| 1985 | France | Uruguay |
| 1993 | Argentina | Denmark |
| 2022 | Argentina | Italy |