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#3 Lionel Messi needs two more goals to become the most prolific South American scorer in international football
Argentina's inspirational captain Lionel Messi has led his team from the front at Copa America 2021.
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With four goals and five assists, the 34-year-old leads both charts in the competition. His latest goal - a sumptuous free-kick in a 3-0 quarter-final win over Ecuador - moved him (76) within one goal of the legendary Pele's tally.
If the Argentina captain nets a brace against Brazil in the final on Saturday, he'll become the most prolific South American goalscorer in international football.
Messi, who is the Albiceleste's all-time goalscorer and appearance maker, has scored 76 goals in 150 appearances in all competitions for the 14-time Copa America winners.
#2 Brazil have not lost a competitive game against Argentina in almost three decades
Brazil and Argentina have one of the most storied rivalries in international football. In over 100 meetings in all competitions between the two teams, the Selecao have beaten the Albiceleste 46 times and lost on 40 occasions.
Although Brazil have lost two of their last three meetings with Argentina, both defeats came in friendlies. The Selecao have not lost a competitive game against the Albiceleste since the 1993 Copa America quarter-finals, which they lost on penalties.
Since then, Brazil have won six of their eight competitive meetings with Argentina. In the last meeting between the two teams, the Selecao beat Lionel Messi and co 2-0 in the 2019 Copa America semi-final. That marked the fifth straight time Argentina were eliminated from the Copa America by Brazil.
#1 Brazil have never lost a Copa America tournament they have hosted
Brazil have a proud record as hosts of the Copa America. On five previous occasions when the Selecao hosted the competition, dating back to 1919, they have triumphed each time.
The first time that happened was in 1919, with the next four instances occurring in 1922, 1949, 1989 and 2019.
Only 15-time winners Uruguay have a better record than Brazil while hosting the competition, triumphing all seven times they have hosted the Copa America.
With a win over Argentina on Saturday, Brazil will emulate Uruguay (1923-24) as the only team to triumph while hosting successive editions of the Copa America.
