Messi is how many fans perceive the Copa America final between Brazil and Argentina.

The players themselves, though, see the bigger challenge on Saturday at Maracana Stadium will be between one of the toughest defensive lines to break and the protection around one of the best players in history.

Brazil has conceded only two goals in six matches in the tournament. Veteran Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Eder Militao are taking shifts as starters without putting the Selecao under too much — if any — risk.

Defensive midfielders Casemiro and Fred are relentless. Right-back Danilo and left-back Renan Lodi are keener to defend than go running up front.

These players initially criticised the South American soccer confederation for shifting the continental tournament to Brazil in emergency mode. Before the final against Messi’s Argentina, they’ve changed their narrative to winning at all costs. And keeping a clean sheet.

“The zone where Messi plays is where I play, we face each other a lot during matches,” Casemiro told a news conference on Thursday.
“I can’t mark any player by myself, you need teammates. And you don’t mark only one player.

“It starts with Neymar, Richarlison and it ends in the goalkeeper — a team plays with 11, defends with 11 and attacks with 11.”

Midfielders Rodrigo de Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are adding to a barrier around Messi.

Before the tournament, Messi said it was his dream to win his first major title with Argentina.

He is playing Barcelona-style for his national team, scoring from free kicks, dazzling adversaries with frequent runs despite his age and giving plenty of passes.

The Selecao trusts so much in its defence that its strikers are under-performing. Richarlison and Roberto Firmino scored only one goal each for Brazil. Gabriel Jesus, who is suspended for the final, didn’t find the back of the net.

Argentina’s effort to protect Messi has also cost the team physically in the second half of most matches — that is precisely when Brazil scores more goals.

Juicy comments before the final could also affect the mood for the game. Brazil’s Richarlison said his team will trash talk the Argentinians during the match.

“We can manage, it isn’t just talking. We will talk and show it on the pitch,” the striker said. “We will provoke them, it will happen.”

Final will be played at 1:00 a.m. (Sunday).

Source: obembet

This fixed game guy above me, shame no dey catch you?

I don't understand why someone will be shamelessly moving from thread to thread posting scam.

If your fixed game is real, why not keep playing and rebetting with the proceeds till you overtake Jeff bezos?

Anumanu!!!

*****Modified****

Thank God the posts has been removed.
A Nairaland without moderators could only be better imagined, (iberiberistic yoots will just be posting rubbish upandan).

Lest I forget, the graphics design people should be calming down too, too much of everything is bad, Tankiu.

So you finally decided to create a thread about Messi today. Wow, that's amazing! Abi na because that guy talk for that other thread??

As much as I want M10 to win this one, losing the finals again would not change anything for me. It will only end that lame and wack argument. His performance in the competition so far is enough to show why ex & serving coaches, players, pundits & media have always regarded him as the GREATEST to ever play football.

Haters are patiently waiting for him to lose the final so they can have something to say.

We the bad belle won't like to see that happen We only want CR7 to be successful for both club and country

Since it's not a final against Chile then maybe this is It for MESSI the Soccer Lion.

In another news reach out if you are a sport lover and wish to earn @least $5 or its equivalent in naira daily from Sporting activities & E-sports as well.
FYI you'll need a minimum capital of $100 or its equivalent naira value and a one time induction fee of $3 or its equivalent in Naira.

@Seniorwriter

May the best team win

Wish Messi wins but unfortunately nothing for him.

sure....dts my prayer....brazil are playing at home but without g.jesus, but still even d odds favors brazil..
I just wish Argentina get d job done before n win d cup not because of messi proving himself in country but because leo himself needs a trophy with his country to break dt jinx since 1993 .
they av lost world cup finals, two copa finals n another lose dis nite simply means their badluck is a generational one..
even some Brazilians would be happy seeing leo wins it..

OJEEMAH:
So you finally decided to create a thread about Messi today. Wow, that's amazing! Abi na because that guy talk for that other thread??

As much as I want M10 to win this one, losing the finals again would not change anything for me. It will only end that lame and wack argument. His performance in the competition so far is enough to show why ex & serving coaches, players, pundits & media have always regarded him as the GREATEST to ever play football.

Haters are patiently waiting for him to lose the final so they can have something to say.

was surprised too seeing obembet creating a messi thread....maybe she don switch from cr7 to messi or dm hack d account

Theboy21:
We the bad belle won't like to see that happen We only want CR7 to be successful for both club and country

you no need to loud am...we all know....even d op self no go like messi to win am because na die hard cr7 fan but football na 90 mins and GOD no go shame us

paulolee:

was surprised too seeing obembet creating a messi thread....maybe she don switch from cr7 to messi or dm hack d account

i shock like Buhari too

OJEEMAH

Paulolee

Contango I will forever be CR7 fans

If Pessi wins I drink snyper

Make una give this man this thing na....he deserves it!

Why you come add the 3rd picture?

O wrong now

By the grace of God we are going to witness messi lift the cup

Celebrate your pain in advance.
Premium Tears.

Nope, welcome back from a month ban for sharing this...

https://www.nairaland.com/6594308/dont-care-got-stolen

I hope so bt Messi fans are too damn noisy.

U call an ordinary magician, god of football?

Not minding there is a sorcerer Cr7.

Just like jihad e go hard o

Argentina will win

Both teams have been very strong in this tournament, but the Brazil team edges out slightly over Argentina. Then Brazil have Neymar who has been in spectacular form, while Argentina has Messi who has also been in spectacular form. I think luck and hardwork will determine the winner. It will be a very interesting and blockbuster match to watch.


Please I'm still selling my brand new 2019/20 Toyota Hilux side mirrors. The person that promised to buy disappointed. Serious buyer should check my profile for details and contact me now.

I wish Messi wins the tournament.
All the best to the La Albiceleste.

It's over! Nobody can stop him!


Fear_North

I wish Messi all the best ahead of tomorrow's game! It's how unfair life can be. Having gotten to the Copa America final on 3 or so occasions and the prestigious world cup final and not winning any, it will be sad for same fate to repeat itself tomorrow.

The whole world should say a prayer for Messi and Argentina tomorrow.

OJEEMAH:

Now I see why you were going here and there in that other thread.....

Hahahaha