We’re in for a memorable football ride this weekend. Two finals of two important competitions will capture the imagination of football fans worldwide. And while the Euro 2020 final will offer many players to look at, the Copa America final will have a different vibe. It’s Lionel Messi against Neymar Jr.Of course, it would be unfair to reduce Argentina and Brazil, two famous football nations, to just a couple of men, but this year’s tournament is special. We’ve got two superstars whose time to make a mark on international game is running out. Especially Leo.Maradona’s ankle in 90, Messi’s in 2021😶It’s coming home? pic.twitter.com/rhOFLlYw33— Olá™🖤 (@Unclegold1) July 8, 2021 The two superpowers play for the South American title on Saturday at Rio de Janeiro’s historic Maracana Stadium, one of soccer’s spiritual homes. It should be a memorable ending to a tournament plagued by setbacks and moved at the last minute to one of the countries hardest-hit by Covid-19. Neymar’s Brazil team, the defending champions, and Lionel Messi’s challengers have won a combined seven World Cups and 23 continental titles. Still, all past titles fade away because, for Argentina captain, this means more.Out-of-contract Barcelona legend has been questioned over the years because, unlike his fellow GOAT contender Cristiano Ronaldo, he hasn’t led his country to a significant international title. At his age, he knows very well that he won’t have many more chances. At 34 years of age, Messi is far more accomplished than Neymar, even though both players are still looking for their first major trophy at the senior international level. Messi has reached three Copa America finals and one World Cup final – but it’s not enough.”I’m always going to be present and fight for my dream, which is to win a title with Argentina. I’ve been close many times, but I’ll keep trying as long as I can. I’ve been lucky to win everything at the club level, and it would be lovely to do the same with Argentina.”👑 LIONEL ‘The G.O.A.T.🐐’ MESSI 👑 The Man who doesn’t Dive like Other Footballers……. pic.twitter.com/yzywqueV3y— 👑 LIONEL ‘The G.O.A.T.🐐’ MESSI 👑™ (@KINGFAHADsWorld) July 8, 2021 Both Messi and Neymar have won gold at the Olympics, in 2008 and 2016, respectively, but that isn’t a senior-level competition. But the former Barcelona teammates are not just rivals – they are also close friends.”We are friends, and Neymar wanted me to be in the final too. I’m sure it’s going to be a very even and tough match. We achieved our first objective, which was to reach the final, and now we are more thrilled than ever in search of a trophy.”Both players have had an exceptional tournament so far, with Neymar recording two goals and three assists, while Messi has four goals and four assists. Brazil are reigning champions and have home advantage.Neymar against Argentina is different breed😤. man of the match last time out.pic.twitter.com/9nZHdwe1xz— 𝖐𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖉 ♠🎃🇧🇷 (@kliffordBC) July 8, 2021 The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has his problems. He missed Brazil’s 2019 Copa America success due to a pre-tournament injury and has seen his career dwindle at the French club. His move from Barcelona to Paris in 2017 was meant to complete his rise as world football’s best player. But that hasn’t happened. His theatrical dives are an irritating characteristic of his game, and with PSG, he can sometimes appear disinterested. And to top it all off – he failed to bring Champions League, the most desired title, to the ambitious Parisians.Who will win Copa America 2021? pic.twitter.com/UzcBybDsFz— Tomáš Hádlík (@TomasHadlik) July 8, 2021 Both men have some demons to banish, but only one of them will be happy when the legendary Copa America is lifted at Maracana this weekend.COPA AMERICAFinalSaturday03.00: Argentina – Brazil
