Copa América 2021 final: Messi da Neymar, Argentina vs Brazil | Football news

Europe could be waiting for England and Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020, but the match is even bigger in South America, as the competition between the other two most successful teams will be older in Saturday’s Copa America final.

Brazil is a real classic against Argentina.

The teams first came together in 1914 and in the following years are two of the most famous fields of football in the world.

Together they have won seven World Cups.

Both teams have been above rivals in this year’s America’s Cup and Neymar and Lionel Messi have two of the most outstanding players in the tournament.

Argentina have not lost in 19 matches at the Maracana Stadium, but Brazil, the host and current champion, have not lost since Argentina won the friendly in November 2019.

This year’s final is particularly interesting in terms of time, both in terms of organization and staff.

The tournament was supposed to be held in Colombia and Argentina but Brazil took control at the last minute of the unrest in Colombia and COVID-19 in Argentina.

It’s another tournament where Argentina – and especially Messi – want to end the long drought of the trophy.

They haven’t won a major title since they lifted the America’s Cup in 1993 and Messi has never won silver with the nation.

Brazil is a close favorite and not only because they are at home and so far they have achieved a slightly better record in the tournament. They also have a reputation for winning over Argentina in crisis games.

The two sides met four times in the finals, three in the Copa America and one in the Confederations Cup – in 2005.

Argentina won the Copa America in Brazil in 1937, but has not played in such a spectacular match since.

Brazil won the 2004 Copa America final in Peru and again in Venezuela in 2007 when they beat young Messi in their first international final.

Meanwhile, there was a lot of discussion before the final.

Famous Brazilian sports journalist Fabiola Andrade published her photo wearing an Argentine jersey, saying that Messi would support Argentina instead of Brazil.

This has sparked tremendous debate among celebrities, politicians and players, and Neymar has used explosions against what is “encouraged against”.

Outside of that, there has been general contempt for the tournament.

Brazil has reported more than 19 million coronavirus cases, including more than 531,600 deaths, the second highest number of deaths in the United States.

The maracana opens for fans

On Sunday, 7,800 people will be admitted to the final within the Maracana, which has a capacity of 78,000.

This would make it the first match of the 2021 America’s Cup, the biggest international football tournament in South America, with fans in the stands.

Those wishing to attend must arrive with a negative coronavirus test performed 48 hours in advance. Once inside, they will need to observe social distance.

In Rio alone, 29,000 coronaviruses have been killed. The death rate from the city caused by the virus is 100,000 inhabitants, almost double the 252 / 100,000 number in the country.

“I don’t support organizing the tournament and I will never do it,” 36-year-old Brazilian Paulo Leierer told Al Jazeera.

“It’s unacceptable [given the COVID situation]. Copa America has not helped eliminate COVID issues. What helps alleviate concerns is economic stability.

“I love football, but I’ve been following the national team for a short time since a candidate who attacked democracy used it for politics. I lost interest.”

Brazil won Olympic gold at the time, in front of a delirious crowd at the Maracanã stadium. Can they win again tonight #CopaAmerica final? ????????#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/K7BrGWkMXf

– Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 10, 2021

Strong support for the event came from Brazilian far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who has been widely criticized for his parliamentary investigation into the treatment of the pandemic.

The build-up to the finals has gained a little more traction and interest.

The rating of public television matches was very low, as it also lost the number of viewers in front of the Euro, as well as other regular shows.

“I don’t support the tournament being held in Brazil because of the health scenario we are experiencing in the pandemic,” Isabelle Jungton, 28, told Al Jazeera.

“Right now a horrific event in Brazil is making the situation much more chaotic. Football will not remove the greater concern of the pandemic. I support the Brazilian team but it doesn’t matter at the moment. “

Despite the outcry, not everyone in Brazil is against the tournament.

“I’m in favor of the tournament. Football was already underway at the national level with very strict health and safety protocols, plus the Brazilian infrastructure was ready for the event. Whether this tournament is organized or not is only political, ”Alex Roberto Arno, 56, told Alex Jasa.

“It simply came to our notice then. Quality is not what you see in Euros either, but I support Brazil and I think they will win. “

Additional report by Chris Goldenbaum in Sao Paulo.