Copa America 2021: 5 players who can outshine Lionel Messi at the tournament

#3 Casemiro (Brazil)

Brazil v Panama - International Friendly

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.

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#2 Luis Suarez (Uruguay)

Ecuador v Uruguay - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022

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.

Jordi Alba didn't hide his feelings about Luis Suarez's move to Atletico 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/gDBNzblV5l

— Goal (@goal) June 10, 2021

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.

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#1 Neymar (Brazil)

Brazil v Ecuador - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

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.

Brazil's squad have released a statement criticising CONMEBOL for switching the Copa America location to their country.Brazil have had rising Covid-19 cases and deaths over the past week, while mass demonstrations are taking place to oppose the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro. pic.twitter.com/VbMq3Mi4yk

— Goal (@goal) June 9, 2021

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.

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