Argentina vs Brazil possible line-ups: suspended and injured players
Brazil and Argentina go head-to-head in the Copa América final at Brazil's home stadium, the Maracana, as Leo Messi seeks to end his major tournament jinx.
Brazil and Argentina will contest the 2021 Copa América final at the former's Maracanã Stadium on 10 July with the continent's biggest prize up for grabs. Saturday's South American Superclásico will be the first final between Argentina and Brazil since the 2007 Copa América in Venezuela, when the Canarinho won 3-0. The hosts have won on their last five appearances in the final (1997, 1999, 2004, 2007 and 2019), while Argentina have not lifted the trophy since 1993, losing the four finals they have reached since then.
That of course has left something of a blank space on Leo Messi's impressive CV: the Argentina captain has never won a major international tournament and this could be his last chance at a Copa América victory given the next competition is scheduled for 2024.
Argentina required penalties to reach the final, knocking out Colombia from 12 yards, while Brazil have won both of their knock-out games at their home tournament 1-0 to book their place in the showpiece. Brazil can be considered the favourites going into the game as they enjoy home advantage and the Canarinho have not lost a knockout match at the Copa América since 2001, when they suffered a 2-0 loss against Honduras.
Argentina: Copa América 2021 final team news
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has no major issues going into the final but will wait for a late fitness test on Atalanta central defender Christian Romero as he recovers from a knee injury that ruled him out of the quarter-final and semi-final. Fiorentina captain Germán Pezzella has been deputizing and is likely to retain his place for the final.
Possible Argentina line-up against Brazil:
Martínez; Nahuel, Pezzella, Otamendi, Acuña; De Paul, Rodríguez, Lo Celso, González; Messi, Lautaro.
Brazil: Copa América 2021 final team news
Like Messi, but rather less pored over, is the fact Neymar has never won a major international tournment with Brazil. The PSG forward missed his country's successful 2019 Copa América campaign through injury and will be eager to make amends here with a memorable performance. Brazil boss Tite will be without the suspended Gabriel Jesus for the final and is likely to field more or less the same side that beat Peru in the semi-finals, with Atlético Madrid full back Renan Lodi expected to retain his place even if Alex Sandro is passed fit.
Possible Brazil line-up against Argentina:
Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Lodi; Fred, Casemiro, Paquetá; Everton, Richarlison, Neymar.