Brazil Wins Copa América Opener as Leo Messi Expresses Concerns About Contracting Covid-19 at Tournament

On the first day of the 2021 Copa América, a competition negatively impacted by the spread of Covid-19, Brazil defeated Colombia 2-1.

Neymar, a superstar for the Brazilian national team, scored once and assisted on another goal as Brazil defeated Venezuela 3-0 in Brasilia. His Paris Saint-Germain teammate Marquinhos and Gabriel Barbosa also scored for Brazil.

Brazil Wins Copa América Opener as Leo Messi Expresses Concerns About Contracting Covid-19 at Tournament

Twelve members of the Venezuelan team and coaching staff tested positive for Covid-19 just one day before the tournament’s opening game, devastating the squad and its preparations.

And right off the off, the tournament hosts established themselves as the undisputed leaders.

Richarlison of Everton had a first-half goal disallowed due to offside, and Neymar squandered a golden opportunity as Brazil failed to capitalise on its superior play.

Neymar scored his 67th international goal, just 10 short of Pele’s record tally of 77 goals for Brazil.

From the penalty spot after Marquinhos had bundled in a corner kick in the 23rd minute to get things started.

Only Two Weeks Before the First Game, Brazil Took Over as Host of the Copa America

Friend and foe alike, Messi and Neymar won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015. In 2011.

When the Catalan giants defeated Santos of Brazil 4-0 in the Club World Cup final, they were on opposing teams.

More than a hundred games have been played between Argentina and Brazil, but only four have been decided by a single goal.

The inaugural, played for the South American championship in 1937 (the Copa’s forerunner), was won by Argentina by a score of 2-0. Three were also won by Brazil.

After striker Adriano tied the game at 2-2 with the final shot of regulation time, Brazil beat Argentina 4-2 on penalties to win the Copa in 2004.

A year later, in Germany for the Confederations Cup final, the two bitter rivals met again.

Adriano, who started alongside Kaká and Ronaldinho, was a major factor in the Selecao’s 4-1 thrashing of Argentina.

Even though Messi and Argentina were favourites to win the 2007 Copa, Brazil defeated them 3-0 in the final.

Conclusion

Neymar, a superstar for the Brazilian national team, scored once and assisted on another goal as Brazil defeated Venezuela 3-0 in Brasilia. His Paris Saint-Germain teammate Marquinhos and Gabriel Barbosa also scored for Brazil.

Twelve members of the Venezuelan team and coaching staff tested positive for Covid-19 just one day before the tournament’s opening game, devastating the squad and its preparations.