Copa America 2021: 5 best players from the semi-finals

<a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/lionel-messi' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Lionel Messi</a> looks on during Argentina's Copa America 2021 semifinal against Colombia
Lionel Messi looks on during Argentina's Copa America 2021 semifinal against Colombia

#3 Neymar (Brazil)

Neymar looks on during Brazil's match against
Neymar looks on during Brazil's match against

Neymar may not have scored a goal in the Copa America 2021 semi-final, but the Brazilian was at his influential best against Peru.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar very rarely fails to entertain when he is on the field, and it was no different this time around. Neymar's creativity and dribbling continue to stand out, and it is evident that he is Brazil's talisman and source of inspiration. He recorded two key passes and completed 87% of his passes against Peru.

The 29-year old will be keen to lift the Copa America 2021 trophy, but will have to be at his very best against Argentina. Neymar enjoys a good relationship with Lionel Messi and it will be interesting to see which attacker propels their team to success in the final.


#2 Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi looks on during Argentina's match against Colombia
Messi looks on during Argentina's match against Colombia

Lionel Messi has been the best player at the Copa America 2021 by a comfortable distance. The 34-year old has four goals and five assists in the tournament so far.

He provided the assist for Lautaro Martinez's goal against Colombia in the semi-final, and later converted his penalty in the shootout with aplomb. The pressure on Messi is immense to win a trophy with the national team as it has been for numerous years now. He has another chance to taste success at the international level when his side take on Brazil at the Macarana on July 10.

Messi and Argentina have often fallen at the last hurdle, and they will have to be extremely focussed against a good Brazil side in the Copa America 2021 final.


#1 Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)

Emiliano Martinez in action for Argentina
Emiliano Martinez in action for Argentina

Emiliano Martinez has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top in the last few years, and is now the first-choice goalkeeper for his national side despite making his debut only in 2021.

Martinez was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League last season, and the Aston Villa man was Argentina's star in the penalty shootout against Colombia in the Copa America 2021 semi-final. The 28-year old saved penalties from Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona to ensure Argentina's qualification for the finals.

It has been a joy to see Martinez's rise. From being a backup goalkeeper at Arsenal for several years, the Argentine has become a first-choice shot-stopper at a Premier League club. To top it all off, he is now the no.1 for his national team as well.

Martinez deserves all the applause that he has received and will look to guide the Albiceleste to victory in the Copa America 2021 final.


Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 best players from the semi-finals

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