Football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating an exciting clash between the longtime rivals Brazil and Argentina in the final of the "Copa America 2021," specifically for South American countries. Argentina will face Brazil in a highly anticipated final that millions around the globe will watch on Sunday morning at the iconic "Maracanã" stadium in Brazil.
The excitement of the match is amplified by the presence of stars Neymar Jr. and Lionel Messi. Additionally, there is considerable anticipation surrounding what is termed the "finals curse" for Messi, who has yet to win an international title with his national team despite appearing in five finals. The "Little Flea," as his fans affectionately call him, is eager to ascend the podium and is aware that this opportunity may not come again.
The Argentine team successfully secured a spot in the Copa America final following a nail-biting match characterized by significant competition, winning against Colombia in a penalty shootout early last Wednesday.
Brazilian national team captain Marquinhos stated at a press conference: "The final match against Argentina will be a boxing match, where each team will have opportunities to attack and experience good moments. The team that makes fewer mistakes will win. It will be a match decided by the details, so we must prepare for both good and tough times."
He added: "Argentina plays well and is focused. Messi is one of Argentina's strong points, and our task is to make it difficult for him. But we cannot only think about Messi; there are others as well."
Marquinhos expressed his hope that Brazil would lift the trophy, noting, "Just as Argentina has Messi, we have Neymar, and he also deserves to win a title, as he missed the last Copa America, and he has a great desire to win this one."
Brazil defeated Peru 1-0 in the semi-final of "Copa America 2021" at the Rio de Janeiro stadium on Monday evening, with Lucas Paquetá scoring in the 35th minute, ensuring their spot in the continental final. The Brazilian team has a golden opportunity to claim the tournament title, as it is being held on their home soil in front of their fans.
The tournament was originally scheduled to be hosted by Argentina and Colombia, but both countries withdrew weeks before the competition began due to protests in Colombia and the increased COVID-19 infections in Argentina.
For Messi, this will be the fifth final with the Argentine national team (following the 2014 World Cup final and the four Copa America finals previously played). The six-time world player of the year expressed his immense joy at reaching the final, stating on his Instagram account: "Proud and happy to belong to this group... Another goal achieved (reaching the final), I thank God for allowing me to live these moments... Let’s go to achieve glory."
Messi realizes that he may not get another chance, especially with his advancing age and the late stages of his career. This Copa America could be his last with Argentina. Messi, who has just turned 34, has dominated the global football scene for over 15 years and remains the all-time leading scorer for the Argentine national team with 76 goals.
Argentina's fans are eagerly awaiting their team's crowning achievement, as they have not won the title since 1993, when they bested Mexico 2-1. Messi now holds the record for the most appearances for the national team in history, with 150 matches, surpassing his former Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano by three matches.
Messi knows that all the pressure will be on him to secure the title, as he is the team's undisputed star. Argentina successfully claimed their place in the Copa America final after a tension-filled match against Colombia, which they won in a penalty shootout early last Wednesday.
