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In what was the most anticipated clash of the 2019 Copa America, Brazil hosted Argentina in the semifinal for a place in the final.
While the match will not go down as an all-time classic, both teams gave their all on the field, showing guts and passion; with the historical rivalry between both nations on full display while the genuine desire to make it to the showpiece event on Sunday was evident for all to see.
Brazil entered the game as clear favorites, as they have superior players and the added advantage of having been together for the last three years and these coupled with the insane atmosphere created by a passionate home support installed the Samba Boys as not only favorites to qualify, but also the odds on team to win the trophy.
Ultimately, the home side did not disappoint as goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino ensured Brazil remains unbeaten against Argentina in competitive fixtures since 2005 while also maintaining their proud record of having never lost at home to Argentina in an international fixture.
They have progressed to the final where they would come up against the winner of the other semifinal clash between Chile and Peru. In this piece, we shall be highlighting five talking points from the match between Brazil and Argentina.
#5 Argentina's trophy drought extends
It should be fairly common knowledge even to the most casual football fan that Argentina is one of the most traditional teams in the history of football, as the South American nation has blessed us with some of the most iconic names to ever play the game.
However, for all of their proud tradition and history, Argentine football has been in limbo for the last couple of years, as despite their immense talent and reputation, they have always faltered on the biggest stages.
The Albiceleste have gone a massive 28 years without a major international trophy and this is rather disappointing for a nation of its repute.
To put this long drought in context, the last time Argentina won a major title, Lionel Messi was still a little child of four years, while over 75% of the current squad had not been born by then.
The hotchpotch nature, as well as underperformance heading into this tournament by the current team, meant that not much was expected from Argentina but having scraped their way through to the semifinal, expectations must have been raised that this might finally be the year.
Ultimately, those hopes were dashed as Brazil put in a fine display to ensure that Argentina's wait for international glory goes on.
They would have their next shot as soon as next year when they co-host the 2020 Copa America with Uruguay.
#4 Gabriel Jesus sends out message to Pep Guardiola
Gabriel Jesus has seen his game time reduce massively at Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola has shown a preference for the more experienced City goalscorer Sergio Aguero to lead the lineup front.
However, despite his role as second fiddle, Gabriel Jesus still starred last season as City became undisputed kings of England with a clean sweep of all three domestic trophies on offer, with the 22-year-old managing to score 23 goals in all competitions which served as evidence of his ability.
On his day, the former Palmeiras man is one of the most vibrant forwards in the world and this was in full display against Argentina, as he was full of tireless running and capped his fine performance with a well-taken goal and an assist.
Heading into the match, Gabriel Jesus had not scored a goal in a competitive fixture for 600 minutes, but it took him just 16 minutes to end that run while he also showed great determination and grit to start off a counter-attack from his own half, turning teammate Nicolas Otamendi before laying the ball on a plate for Roberto Firmino to take Brazil 2-0 up.
On a night when Manchester City's two strikers went head-to-head, it was Gabriel Jesus that shone brightest and Pe Guardiola must have taken note.
#3 Brazil's quest for home glory continues
While they might be the most successful footballing nation on the global stage, Brazil have had less glory on their continent, as they only sit third on the standings for most Copa America title wins with eight, some way behind the 15 and 14 posted by Uruguay and Argentina respectively.
They have a chance to go one further as hosts of the 46th edition and having flattered to deceive so far, their fine performance in the victory over Argentina would get their football crazy fans believing in them more than ever before.
The win was made all the sweeter seeing as it came as the Estadio Mineirao which was the venue of Brazil's infamous 7-1 trouncing by Germany in the semifinal of the 2014 World Cup.
This victory would go some way in exorcising the demons of that dark night and with Brazil's place in the final at the iconic Maracana now guaranteed, there is every possibility that they would lift their 9th Copa America title in front of their passionate fans.
#2 Dani Alves continues to show his class
While Gabriel Jesus might grab all the headlines and newspaper reports, one man who deserves immense praise for his display on the night is Dani Alves.
The right-back who is currently without a club having departed PSG at the expiration of his contract last season put in a fine display on the right of Brazil's defense, while also providing a decent attacking outlet with his forays forward.
He ended the night with a pre-assist, as it was off his pass to Roberto Firmino that the Liverpool man played in Gabriel Jesus to open the scoring while he also led the way in a number of other areas, combining multiple roles as skipper, playmaker, and right-back all in one.
Alves has 30 passes more than any other Brazilian player on the night and defended resolutely, limiting the effectiveness of Marcus Acuna who has been one of Argentina's brightest sparks in this tournament as well as his replacement Angel di Maria.
Like fine wine, the former Barcelona man gets better with age and despite turning 36 in May still maintains such a high level of performance, showing why he is the most decorated player in history and his displays in Brazil are sure to get Europe's biggest clubs falling over one another in a bid to get his signature.
#1 Messi good, but not good enough
Prior to the semifinal, it was safe to say that Lionel Messi had not contributed enough to the overall cause of the Argentine team.
In his first four matches, the 32-year-old was nothing more than a mere spectator just completing the motions and had rarely provided the spark Argentina needed from him.
Indeed that his country got as far as the semifinal was not down to him as many predicted before the tournament, with a certain Lautaro Martinez stealing the spotlight instead.
The semifinal against Brazil offered an excellent opportunity for Messi to make a mark on the tournament and he put up unarguably his best performance of the competition.
He was largely involved in most of Argentina's attacking forays, seeing a freekick saved by Alisson, while he was also unlucky to have hit the woodwork off a volley from the edge of the box.
He also teed up Sergio Aguero with a pin-point pass but the Manchester City forward saw his header crash off the post.
Lionel Messi stepped up his performance level in the game against Brazil, but ultimately t was not enough and ensures his heartache with Argentina goes on.
