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Remind me next time

Argentina will face Brazil on Saturday in the Copa America Final as two of the biggest sides in world football meet.

Argentina vs Brazil will forever be one of the most anticipated meetings in the sport and Saturday's match will be the biggest game in years.

It was the final everyone expected but as history has shown, hasn’t been played too often. These arch rivals last met at this final in 2007 where Brazil won 3-0. Lionel Messi now has the opportunity to end a silverware drought on the international level. However, Argentina must defeat one of the best teams in the world to do it.

Brazil are ranked No. 3 in the world and at next year’s World Cup, have the opportunity to win their Jules Rimet since 2002. There are critics of the Brazil side and the competition they have come up against in South America. Regardless, the Brazilians have been the best team at the Copa America and face their internal rival on home soil.

Argentina can lay claim to being one of the best teams in South America. However, their golden generation of players featuring Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Angel Di Maria is nearly over. The Argentines have a finite amount of time left with Messi. If Argentina do not win the Copa America final this summer, then Messi is likely to retire without lifting the prestigious South American trophy.

We take a look at the betting markets for betting value and give you betting tips for Sunday's huge final.

Argentina vs Brazil Betting Odds

 

Argentina topped Group A with 10 points from 12 possible. The Sky Blues started slowly with a 1-1 draw against Chile before dispatching Uruguay and Paraguay respectively. On the final day of the group stage, Argentina rolled over Bolivia 4-1. A quarterfinal 3-0 win over Ecuador was followed by a penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the semifinals. The game finished 1-1 at 120 minutes as Argentina won 3-2 in the shootout.

Brazil topped Group B with 10 points from 12 as well. The Selecao scored goals for fun in the group stage, but have struggled to score in the knockout rounds. The biggest issue holding Brazil back from winning next year’s World Cup is the lack of a world-class No. 9. Brazil defeated Chile 1-0 in the quarterfinals before posting a 1-0 win over Peru in the semifinals. Lucas Paqueta scored the team’s goals in both knockout ties.

Argentina go into the final at best odds of 14/5 to win the match at full-time. Brazil are favourites to win in 90 minutes, however. They are at best odds of 6/5 to win the Copa America 2021 Final and repeat their efforts of 2007.

Argentina and Brazil have played 111 times in their history. Brazil have the slight edge in head-to-head matches vs Argentina. They have posted a record of 46W-25D-40L. The last time these teams met in 2019, Argentina claimed a 1-0 win vs Brazil.

Argentina vs Brazil Team News

Lautaro Martinez goes into the final having scored three goals in Argentina’s last three matches. Martinez is red hot for the Sky Blues and will likely start in Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI. Messi will play on the right side of Martinez while Nico Gonzalez is likely to play on the left. Angel Di Maria could come into the team versus Brazil, but he has come off the bench more times than starting at the Copa America 2021.

Sergio Aguero will once again start on the bench, just as he did versus Colombia in the semifinals. Aguero didn’t make it off the bench and could finish the tournament without playing in the final. Emiliano Martinez was the hero for Argentina against Colombia in the team’s 3-2 shootout win. He will be in goal from the start once more.

The latest Argentina team news is that there are no fresh injury concerns going into this match.

Tite should start Lucas Paqueta once more in attack. The forward has scored in each of Brazil’s last two matches, which were the crucial goals in both games. Paqueta played behind central striker Richarlison versus Peru. Gabriel Jesus will be available for the game following a suspension. Roberto Firmino may not find his way off the bench if Richarlison and Paqueta continue their good form.

Argentina vs Brazil Prediction

Both teams to score: YES @ 23/20 - BET NOW

 

 

For my first prediction I'm looking at the both teams to score market. Three of Argentina’s six games at the tournament finished with both teams scoring goals. Just one of Brazil’s games saw both teams score. Their defence has played well, but it will be stretched against the Sky Blues. Argentina’s defence haven’t played a team as strong in attack as Brazil. The Selecao should get on the scoresheet against Argentina in a close match.

 

So, one of my betting tips is both teams to score. I can't see clean sheets in this final.

Lionel Messi to score anytime @ 8/5 - BET NOW

 

My second prediction shouldn't come as a surprise. Saturday’s Final is likely to be Lionel Messi’s last opportunity to win the trophy. Messi leads the race for the golden boot with four. With Saturday’s final being Messi’s last opportunity to win the Copa America, it is likely that he will do everything to win the fixture. Martinez is in good form, but Messi may be able to upstage him in the final third. Let's hope Leo bring his scoring boots.

At a current best odds price of 8/5, Lionel Messi to score has to be another of my betting tips.

Over 2.5 goals scored @ 6/4 - BET NOW

 

My third and final prediction is in the over/under market. Three of Brazil’s last six matches at the Copa America 2021 finished with over 2.5 goals scored. The team’s last three matches at the tournament all finished with under 2.5 goals, but those games were played versus weaker teams than Argentina. Two of Argentina’s six games at the Copa America finished with over 2.5 goals.

The attacking weapons available to both managers should see goals tallied in a thrilling final. This is the final that everyone wanted and expected to see when the Copa America 2021 kicked off. There is a reason the two teams were kept in opposite groups during the group stage.

So, which side will claim the Copa America 2021? On paper, it is difficult to go against Brazil and Messi’s streak of missing out on silverware on the international stage continues. Yet, Messi having one last chance to dance could see the Argentines finally win the trophy. Although it would be a great story, Brazil are just too strong and should lift the trophy at the end of full-time.

Which side will be the winner? Only time will tell. If I had to make a correct score pick, my betting tips would be a 2-1 win to Brazil in this fixture.

Argentina vs Brazil Betting Tips