Battle of the giants

The football world is in for a treat ahead of the Copa America 2021 final. The highly desired final between Argentina and Brazil, the ‘Superclásico’ will become true this weekend in an epic duel with the South American crown on the line. 

The rivalry between these two national teams is one of the oldest and most famous on the planet. These two continental giants have faced each other countless times throughout history and won recognition as two of the mightiest sides in the world. Therefore, the upcoming Copa America final will be even more special for both teams. Lionel Messi seeks a much-needed international trophy while Neymar wants to redeem himself in the Conmebol’s marquee tournament. Two clear top sides in South America right now have emerged through the knockout stage, led by their two phenoms who are playing well and playing with points to prove. At the end of this monthlong slog, the stakes are actually quite high. 

For Messi and Argentina, it's a chance to quiet years worth of doubters and critics while putting an end to a trophy drought (and pulling even with Uruguay for most Copa titles all-time at 15). That it could come while its nation still grieves the loss of Diego Maradona would only be more apropos. For Neymar and Brazil, it's an opportunity to complete a unique Copa América repeat a year out from a World Cup that it will hope and expect to win while closing the gap on Argentina and Uruguay in the all-time annals. Where Argentina sees a milestone, Brazil sees a building block. That one side's goal will be achieved at the expense of the other will only heighten the sense of the occasion, and regardless of how they got there, a Brazil-Argentina final with this set of leading actors will be a sight to behold. 

Messi is in top form with four goals and five assists and Argentinian fans would hope he fires again. The 34-year old with four goals is leading the Golden Boot race. Neymar has two goals and three assists to his name in the tournament. This hasn't been a classic Copa América tournament, but it's due to have a classic final, one packed with stakes for the teams and individuals involved. The outlook for Argentina ahead of the Copa America 2021 final isn't encouraging as they lost in three of their four finals against Brazil. Will they reverse fortunes this time? Or will Brazil prove their strength once again?