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Argentina and Brazil will square off in San Juan on Tuesday in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Selecao have already booked their place at the Qatar showpiece with a near-perfect qualifying campaign. Meanwhile, the Albiceleste are on the cusp of joining their arch-rivals in Qatar next year.
With 28 points from 12 games, Lionel Scaloni's men are in second place .and it's only a matter of time before they punch their tickets to Qatar too. Both teams are also unbeaten in the CONMEBOL zone, and will look to preserve their run when they go head-to-head with each other.
Brazil will, of course, have revenge on their minds, having lost 1-0 to their arch-rivals in the 2021 Copa America final on home soil earlier this year. However, they'll have to do so without their talisman Neymar, who has been ruled out with an injury.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and co haven't lost a competitive game at home in over five years. Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, here's a look at five players who could determine the outcome of this top-billing clash:
#5 Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
From winning the FA Cup title with Arsenal last year to lifting the Copa America 2021 title with Argentina, Emiliano Martinez has come a long way in the last few months.
He has played every minute of their qualifying campaign post the Copa. Martinez has kept a clean sheet in four of the five games, all coming in succession, playing a crucial role in Argentina's march towards Qatar.
The Aston Villa custodian reads the game excellently, and is quick to rush off his line. Brazil would once again pose a huge test of his mettle, so Martinez will look to keep the Seleccao quiet once again.
#4 Marquinhos (Brazil)
Brazil are stacked with attacking stars, but Marquinhos has shone through with his defensive nous, a testament to the player's talent. An absolute leader at the back, the PSG defender brings much swagger to Brazil's defence, while also being a huge offensive threat from set-pieces.
He has forged a stoic defensive partnership with Thiago Silva, and could be key in stopping the Lionel Messi and co.
#3 Angel Di Maria (Argentina)
As far as underrated wingers go, Argentina's Angel Di Maria ranks somewhere near the top. Nevertheless, his stats for club and country are highly impressive, and at 33, Di Maria has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Scorer of Argentina's winning goal in the 2021 Copa America final, the PSG star is an agile, creative and highly technical player. His set-piece prowess is second to none, and he possesses excellent crossing ability too.
#2 Lucas Paqueta (Brazil)
With Neymar ruled out of this clash through injury, the Seleccao may need a new talisman for inspiration. Who better to assume that role than Lucas Paqueta?
The Olympique Lyon winger has been growing in influence for the side lately. Paqueta scored Brazil's winning goals in their quarter-final and semi-final wins at Copa America 2021.
Recently, he helped Brazil get past Colombia by scoring the only goal of the game in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers. Blessed with incredible speed and dribbling skills, the 24-year-old is a huge threat inside the box. He times his runs perfectly to get onto the end of passes.
#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi allayed all injury concerns by coming off the bench in Argentina's win over Uruguay last week. Now, he's likely to start in the Superclasico de la Americas against Brazil.
With a potential seventh Ballon d'Or award looming, the PSG ace will look to shine bright for the Albiceleste once again and possibly bag a goal or assist.
He boasts a good record against the Canaries, with five goals. However, Messi's last strike against Brazil came over two years ago, a drought he'd be eager to end with qualification looming large.
The 34-year-old was the star of Argentina's triumphant Copa America 2021 campaign this year. Messi has also sizzled in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers, with six goals.
