Brazil vs Arg (Copa America 2021 Final) - 5 interesting facts

Football

Argentina have reached the Copa America final more times than any other country to have played in the 105-year-old tournament. It is to be noted that the term 'final' is used liberally here to include top-two finishes, as some of the earlier editions of the Copa America did not have a designated final.

Argentina have reached more Copa America finals than any other country

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Argentina reached the Copa America final for a record-extending 29th time, which is eight more than the next best country (Uruguay). La Albiceleste have lost their last four Copa America finals, though, which is something they'd like to change when they lock horns with Brazil at the Maracana this weekend.

One of six teams to have won multiple Copa America titles, Argentina (14) trail only record champions Uruguay for the most titles in the world's oldest international football competition. Since their last Copa America triumph in 1993, La Albiceleste have failed to win a major title.

Argentina one title away from being the joint-most successful team in Copa

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They lost five major finals in the intervening period - four at the Copa America and one at the FIFA World Cup. La Albiceleste have had two opportunities to go level with Uruguay since the latter's last Copa America triumph, only to falter against Chile in the 2015-16 finals.

Argentina's inspirational captain Lionel Messi has led his team from the front at Copa America 2021. With 4 goals and 5 assists, the 34-year-old leads both charts in the competition. His latest goal in his side’s quarter-final win over Ecuador - moved him (76) within one goal of the legendary Pele's tally.

Lionel Messi needs two more goals to grab a rare honour 

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If the Argentina captain nets a brace against Brazil in the final on Saturday, he'll become the most prolific South American goal scorer in international football. Messi, who is the Albiceleste's all-time goal scorer and appearance maker, has scored 76 goals in 150 appearances in all competitions so far.

Brazil and Argentina have one of the most storied rivalries in international football. In over 100 meetings between the two teams, Brazil have beaten Argentina 46 times and lost on 40 occasions. Although Brazil have lost 2 of their last 3 meetings with Argentina, both came in friendlies.

Brazil last lost a competitive game against Argentina in 1993

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The Selecao have not lost a competitive game against the Albiceleste since the 1993 Copa America quarter-finals, which they lost on penalties. Since then, Brazil have won six of their eight competitive meetings with Argentina. In the last meeting between the two teams, the Selecao emerged victorious.

Brazil have a proud record as hosts of the Copa America. On five previous occasions when the Selecao hosted the competition, dating back to 1919, they have triumphed each time. The first time that happened was in 1919, with the next four instances occurring in 1922, 1949, 1989 and 2019.

Brazil have never lost a Copa America tournament they have hosted

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Only 15-time winners Uruguay have a better record than Brazil while hosting the competition, winning all 7 times they have hosted the Copa America. With a win over Argentina on Saturday, Brazil will emulate Uruguay (1923-24) as the only team to triumph while hosting successive editions of the Copa America.