The last few weeks have been all about the European Championship — the glitter of stardom, glaze of goals and the happy noise of packed stadiums creating an atmosphere of hope in this morbid times of the coronavirus. The Copa America, which is being played simultaneously in another part of the world, lost out badly in terms of attention, with few being interested in it.
But all that will change early on Sunday morning (India time), when hosts Brazil take on Argentina in Rio de Janeiro in the Copa America final. There is perhaps no bigger match, no bigger rivalry in football, one that extends beyond the boundaries of the two countries and turns friends into foes.
Brazil against Argentina is a true clasico. The teams first met in 1914 and in the years since have established themselves as two of the most storied sides in world soccer. Together they have won seven World Cups.
So while Europe might be waiting for the England against Italy Euro 2020 final, South America and millions around the world will be on the edge of their seats when Lionel Messi and Neymar take the field at the Maracana Stadium.
The two teams have been head and shoulders above their rivals in this year’s Copa America. Argentina are unbeaten in 19 games going into the showdown, while Brazil, the hosts and reigning champions, have not lost since Argentina beat them in a November 2019 friendly.