Neymar v Messi as Brazil host Argentina in Copa America Final.

Its a classic South American clash as Argentina take on Brazil at the iconic Maracana stadium in the Copa America final.

Here is the preview of the showpiece encounter:

TIMING:

The final kicks off at 5:30 am Sunday, July 11.

HOW TO WATCH:

The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.

Brazil

Brazil came into the tournament as defending champions and were billed as pre tournament favourites. They have impressed so far with 3 wins from the group stage and a draw. This helped them to finish first in the group and set up a quarter final against tricky Chile. And despite a red card to striker Gabriel Jesus they would hold on for a 1-0 win.

In the semi final they went up against the side they beat in 2019 to win Copa America- Peru. Another single goal by Lucas Paqueta made the difference as Brazil recorded a another 1-0 to progress to the final. They will now play in their 21st Copa final hoping to clinch a 10th title.

Tite has slowly brought a flair back to the Selecao with the likes of Neymar, Richarlison and Roberto Firmino helping the team discover its roots. They will be feeling confident as they aim to retain their title on home turf. Neymar himself remains trophy-less with the national side and will be hoping to put one over his former Barcelona teammate.

Players to watch:

Neymar, Lucas Paqueta and Richarlison

Argentina

Argentina will be looking to end a 28-year drought when they face their arch-rivals in the final on Sunday. They have lost 2 of the last 3 finals in the competition and will be desperate to put that run to an end. Having started the tournament indifferently with a draw against Chile, the team that beat them in those two finals, they then recovered to win their next three games and topping the group.

They met Ecuador in the quarter final and progressed by thrashing them 3-0. Semi final proved to be a far stubborn test as Colombia took the game to them. Lautaro Martinez’s goal was cancelled out by Luis Diaz to take the game to extra time and then penalties. Argentina prevailed in the shootout thanks to the heroics of keeper Emiliano Martinez who saved their kicks from Colombian players.

This win took them to their 29th Copa America final as they look to win their 15th title. Lionel Scaloni has kept this Argentina squad well knitted together. There is belief cruising through La Albiceleste with Messi in top form throughout the campaign that they could win their first Copa title since 1993.

Players to watch:

Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Rodrigo de Paul

Two eternal rivals will meet at the historic Maracana to determine South America’s best side. On side Brazil playing at home, led by their best player for a long time in Neymar, will be keen to assert their dominance and send a message before next year’s World Cup. While on the other hand a motivated Messi will be looking to win his first international trophy. Right now he has the players in the likes of Martinez who can put away the chances he usually creates.

Sunday’s clash will be the 108th clash between these two iconic nations. Brazil hold the edge with 43 wins compared to Argentina’s 39. However Argentina have more competitive wins having won 19 of the 49 games including 15 Copa America wins to Brazil’s 10.

This final will very well define how legends like Messi and Neymar will be remembered at this level as they square off against each other in a clash of titans. Don’t miss out.