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. The Copa America reigning champions secured another trophy on Wednesday by beating Italy 3-0 in a much anticipated Finalissima

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, this final between 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 was the first Finalissima under its current name, it was not the first time that Copa America and European Championship winners faced each other in a single-leg final for an intercontinental trophy.

The Finalissima was preceded by the Artemio Franchi Trophy, which was held on just two occasions (1985 and 1993) before FIFA decided to discontinue it in favor of the 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 America reigning 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 last faced off for this trophy in 1993, when Diego Maradona's Argentina defeated Denmark on penalties after a 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