The Copa America final is set, and if one of the best soccer players of all time is going to finally deliver a trophy for his country, he'll need to dethrone the champions and hosts.
On Saturday night, it will be Lionel Messi's Argentina, in search of their first trophy since 1993, against Brazil, who look to go back-to-back for the third time at the Copa America.
Which South American powerhouse will be celebrating on Saturday? Check out our tips and predictions.
Argentina vs Brazil game info
• Location: Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Date: Saturday, July 10, 2021
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
Argentina vs Brazil betting tips
- Brazil (+110)
- First half - Brazil (+187)
Read on for complete analysis
Argentina vs Brazil match odds
Argentina: +275
Brazil: +110
Draw: +225
Total: 2.5
Over 2.5: +150
Under 2.5: -188
Argentina vs Brazil betting preview
Weather
Brazil and Argentina will have ideal conditions for their Copa America final on Saturday evening, with temperatures expected around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with little wind and no precipitation in the forecast.
Key injuries
Argentina: No injuries to report.
Brazil: Gabriel Jesus (Out).
Argentina vs Brazil predictions
Moneyline pick
The Copa America final not only pits the region's two biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Neymar, against one another, but it is a contrast of styles. Brazil has fully bought into manager Tite's system, pressing high up the pitch and defending with great intensity. Argentina, meanwhile, are — brace yourself — often reliant on Messi in a manner that transcends the team or system.
While Brazil rely on high-intensity counter-pressing in the attacking third to regain possession and create opportunities, with perhaps the best defensive midfielder in the world, Casemiro, playing behind, Argentina attempt to methodically build out of the back and get the ball to Messi or Lautaro Martinez in 1-on-1s. Each team's style of play reflects their squad, really, as Brazil are a dynamic collection of talented players at nearly every position, while mediocrity plagues Argentina at most positions.
There is, of course, the chance Messi simply carries his team to victory in the final, after carrying them to get there in the first place. He leads the tournament in goals and assists, and showed a level of passion we don't often see after Argentina defeated Colombia on penalties in their semifinal.
However, Messi's individual greatness hasn't been enough in the previous seven tournaments he has played in for his country, and it won't be here. Brazil are the defending champions, the hosts, and the far superior team. They will retain their Copa America title on Saturday.
PICK: Brazil (+110)
Halftime pick
If styles make fights, then Argentina could be in a world of danger in the Copa America final. Not only is Argentina's weakness in the center of their defense, occupied by 30-year-old German Pezzella and 33-year-old Nicolas Otamendi, but the high line they play can exploit their backline's lack of quickness.
Unfortunately for Argentina, Brazil's attackers possess the exact qualities needed to exploit Otamendi and Pezzella, as they are rapid in their movements off the ball and passing on the ball. Brazil will set out with the intention of counter-pressing Argentina's backline when they lose possession in the attacking third, and that will put the onus on Otamendi and Pezzella to be decisive and technically adept when they are on the ball. With or without pressure, those qualities are lacking in their game. Add in swarming Brazilian attackers, and that test gets considerably more difficult.
Argentina's tactics will be exploited in the first half of the Copa America final, before hopeful changes are made after 45 minutes. Brazil have struck in the first half of four of their six Copa America matches, including their semifinal against Peru. They will do the same against Argentina and carry a lead into halftime.
PICK: Brazil (+187)
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