All eyes will be on the Copa America on Saturday, with Argentina set to lock horns with bitter rivals Brazil in the final of the 2021 edition as the iconic Lionel Messi gets another opportunity – possibly his last shot – to win his first major senior trophy with his national team.
The Barcelona legend has been here before – twice, in fact! La Albiceleste made it all the way in the 2015 edition as well as the Copa America Centenario in 2016. However, on both occasions, the two-time FIFA World Cup champions lost to Chile on penalties. This weekend will offer La Pulga another chance at redemption in what are the final years of his unforgettable career.
It's for this reason that several fans are rooting for Argentina, including many in Brazil, as lovers of the football game wish to see one of the most iconic players in history fulfill his long-standing dream. Unfortunately, this has sparked anger from Neymar, the Selecao's talisman, as he took to social media to hit out against the Brazilians supporting their nation's opponents.
The PSG talent, who missed out on his country's 2019 success due to an unfortunate injury, looks to guide the Selecao to silverware and a successful title defense but is unhappy to see his fellow countrymen siding with the enemy. Taking to Instagram, the former Santos prodigy wrote in a story (as per Marca): "I am Brazilian with a lot of pride and love.
"My dream was always to be in the Brazil national team and hear the fans singing.
"I never attacked, nor will attack [Brazil] if they are competing for something, whether that is in sport, a modelling competition, the Oscars.
"If it's Brazil I am Brazil, and who is Brazilian and does it differently?
"It's fine, I will respect it, but go to [hell]... those who are in opposition."
Who will get their hands on this coveted silverware? Will Leo end his long wait for success with his national team or will Neymar get the last laugh over his close friend and former team-mate? Tune in to Saturday's highly-anticipated showdown for the answer.
