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With Brazil confirmed as the new hosts of Copa America 2021, Lionel Messi's Argentina and other participating nations are getting ready for one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
Regarded by many as the greatest player to have played the game, Messi will be a key part of his country's squad for Copa America. The 33-year old will come to the tournament on the back of an excellent individual season with Barcelona.
Very few can eclipse him at any footballing competition, but Copa America offers a tantalising prospect. The likes of Neymar and Luis Suarez will represent their respective nations, and they are capable of matching Lionel Messi's performance levels.
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5 Players who could eclipse Lionel Messi at this month's Copa American 2021
#5 Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)
One of Manchester United's best players this season, Edinson Cavani has defied expectations and enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League.
The 34-year old is likely to be a part of the Uruguay squad for Copa America 2021, and manager Oscar Tabarez will be happy with the striker's performances this season. Cavani made just 13 Premier League starts but managed to score 10 goals and provide three assists. His stunning displays in the Europa League led Manchester United to the final of the competition.
While it is not easy to outshine a talent like Lionel Messi, if Cavani carries his Manchester United form to Copa America 2021 he will be one of the best players in the tournament. His world-class movement and predatory instinct in front of goal will be key for Uruguay.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020
#4 Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)
Lionel Messi's international teammate Lautaro Martinez is regarded as one of the best young players in world football.
The forward was in excellent form for Inter Milan this season, playing a crucial role in their league success. Martinez made 30 Serie A starts for Antonio Conte's side, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists. With Lionel Messi now 33-years-old, Martinez is regarded as the future of the Argentina national team and he will surely be a starter for Argentina at Copa America 2021.
The 23-year old has been heavily linked with a move to Lionel Messi's Barcelona in the past, although those rumours have since died down. A successful Copa America 2021 will once again see him linked with some of the top clubs in world football.
Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 players above the age of 30 who can dominate the tournament
#3 Casemiro (Brazil)
Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, Casemiro has been a consistent starter for both club and country for some time now.
Casemiro has made 286 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid, and played a vital role in their incredible success under Zinedine Zidane. The 29-year old is renowned for his aggressive style of play, a midfielder with strong defensive attributes who does not shy away from taking a shot from range.
The former Porto man has 50 caps for the Brazil senior side, and he will be key for them at Copa America 2021. He was part of the Brazil side that won the tournament in 2019, and his experience will be handy as well.
#2 Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
One of the best strikers of the modern generation, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will form arguably the most lethal attacking duo at Copa America 2021.
Suarez joined Atletico Madrid from Barcelona under controversial circumstances last summer, and his performances resulted in Diego Simeone's side winning La Liga. The 34-year old 30 league starts and scored 21 goals, thus showing that he still had a lot to offer at the elite level.
At Copa America 2021, Suarez will be Uruguay's talisman. Both Suarez and Cavani were part of the Uruguay side that won the Copa America in 2011, and they will be keen to replicate that success.
#1 Neymar (Brazil)
Neymar may have his critics, but there is no denying that he is one of the best players in the world right now.
The Brazilian, who enjoys a good relationship with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, has been his country's star man for a long time now. The 29-year, who has been named in the Copa America 2021 squad, has 105 caps and 66 goals for Brazil, and his teammates will look to him for inspiration.
Neymar made just 15 starts in Ligue 1 this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists as Paris Saint-Germain endured a disappointing season. However, the forward is a dangerous player who can create something out of nothing and all eyes will be on him at Copa America 2021.
Also Read: Copa America 2021: Top 5 Golden Ball contenders
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