The Alejandro Garnacho Derby! Argentina will play Spain in the Finalissima 2025... but why did the Man Utd winger choose to play for the Copa America winners over the European champions?

Alejandro Garnacho is set to face Spain - the country of his birth - after winning the Copa America with Argentina.

An unused substitute in the victory against Colombia in the final, Garnacho was part of the Argentina squad at the tournament, having been eligible to play for the South American nation through his mother.

Earlier on Sunday night, Spain, who Garnacho represented at Under-18 level, beat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024.

As a result, Argentina will now take on Spain in the 2025 Finalissima, which sees the winners of the Copa America and the European Championship play each other in a one-off game.

There will inevitably be much focus on Manchester United winger Garnacho ahead of the game, but why did he choose to play for Argentina ahead of Spain? 

20-year-old Garnacho is seen as one of the standout youngsters in world football following his impressive performances for Manchester United.

Born in Madrid in 2004, he lived in Spain until 2020, when he joined United's academy. 

In an interview with in 2023, Garnacho explained why he elected to play for Argentina instead of Spain.

Garnacho stated that he is really close with his mother's side of the family and added: 'I am Argentinian'.

Garnacho told TyC Sports: 'All of my mother's family is Argentinian, they've always lived there. And my father's is from Spain. The way things worked out, my mother's family moved to Spain and she met my father there and I was born there. I'm really close with my mother's side of the family, we've always supported the (Argentinian) national team since I was little.

'I didn't have to think twice because I feel Argentinian, I am Argentinian. They put their faith in me and it was clear to me. It's a great team, it's a great opportunity and the whole family are really happy and have supported me from minute one.'

Following the interview, Garnacho was mocked by the Spanish press for adopting a 'fake Argentinian accent'.

Marca wrote: 'Garnacho from Madrid gets the Argentinian accent at breakneck speed'. 

Garnacho played three matches for Spain Under-18s in 2021 before scoring four goals in five games for Argentina at Under-20 level the following year.

In 2023, Garnacho made his senior debut for Argentina against Australia and he now has six caps, one of which came against Peru at the Copa America.

At club level Garnacho has made 86 appearances for United, while he has scored 15 goals and has provided nine assists. He has won the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the only goal of the game in extra-time. 

There were chaotic scenes outside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami before the game, with supporters nearly getting crushed before hundreds of fans forced their way through the perimeter gates. The initial kick off time of 8pm was pushed back to 9.15pm.