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#3 Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
It is rare to see a goalkeeper feature in the list for 5 best players in a tournament, but Emiliano Martinez's Copa America 2021 performance merits inclusion.
Based on current form, Martinez has to be one of the best goalkeepers in world football right now. The Aston Villa shot-stopper came to Copa America 2021 on the back of an excellent season with his club and produced some stunning performances in the tournament.
Martinez saved three penalties in the shootout against Colombia in the semi-finals and produced a crucial save against Richarlison in the final as well. The 28-year old is enjoying his best spell in professional football right now.
#2 Neymar (Brazil)
Neymar tried his very best to influence proceedings in the Copa America 2021 final against Argentina, but was the recipient of multiple cynical fouls and body checks from various Argentine defenders throughout the game.
One of the best players in the world, Neymar enjoyed a good Copa America 2021 campaign, even though it ended in heartbreak. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored two goals and provided three assists, and was Brazil's best player at the tournament.
The 29-year old was keen to get his hands on an international trophy, but the wait continues. The pressure on Neymar to win a trophy with Brazil will increase now.
#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Finally, Lionel Messi has won a trophy with Argentina. After so much criticism over the years, Messi has led his team to victory in Copa America 2021.
Argentina, in recent years, have faltered in the final stage of a tournament. From the World Cup in 2014 to two Copa America final losses to Chile, Messi and Argentina have not enjoyed the best of luck when it comes to tournament finals.
This time, it was different. Messi looked invigorated throughout Copa America 2021, and was comfortably the best player in the competition. The 34-year old scored four goals and provided five assists, and when the final whistle blew, the relief and joy on Messi's face was visible. There is little to complain about Lionel Messi's tournament this time around.
Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 best players from the semi-finals
