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#3 Neymar Jr. (Brazil)
Although Brazil have dominated Chile in recent encounters. the Selecao were given a run for their money on Friday. Brazil secured the lead in the 46th minute of the match through Lucas Paqueta but were reduced to 10-men when Gabriel Jesus was sent off two minutes later.
Neymar turned in yet another quality performance. His movement and ability to flit past players like they aren't there made him a menacing presence down the left side. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker played a lovely cross to Roberto Firmino early in the first-half but the latter failed to apply the finishing touch.
Neymar kept slipping away from defenders and creating chances. Neymar helped set up Brazil's only goal of the game as his flick fell rather fortuitously to Paqueta in the first minute of the second half.
Brazil did well to hang on to their lead after Gabriel Jesus was sent off in the 48th minute for a high-boot. Chile had a goal chalked off for offside in the 62nd minute of the game. Tite's men survived several scares before eventually getting away with their 1-0 lead.
#2 Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has been one of the best players in the Copa America 2021. The Udinese man was once again a driving force from midfield and was crucial to Argentina starting the game strongly yet again.
He opened the scoring for La Albiceleste in the closing stages of the first-half. De Paul found plenty of space inside the area and amidst the chaos, Messi played an inch-perfect ball to him and the midfielder calmly slotted the ball home.
It was yet another brilliant all-round performance from De Paul as his stock continues to rise amid interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi has stepped up for Argentina and enjoyed a brilliant outing against Ecuador in the Copa America 2021 quarterfinal. The Barcelona legend was a man on a mission and played the length of the game with a lot of swagger.
He hit the post in the 22nd minute after being released into the box. Messi did not let that affect his game as he kept his head to find De Paul free inside the area to score Argentina's opener in the 40th minute.
Messi ran the show in the second half and provided the assist for Lautaro Martinez's goal in the 84th minute. Ecuador then had Piero Hincapie sent off in the 90th minute for a last-ditch tackle on Ang Di Maria right outside the box.
Messi lined up to take the consequent free-kick and smashed the ball into the far right corner to put Argentina through to the semi-finals. The 34-year-old seems determined to end Argentina's trophy drought and has kicked into top form at the right time.
