The last few weeks have been all about the European Championship — the glitter of stardom, glaze of goals and the happy noise of packed stadiums creating an atmosphere of hope in this morbid times of the coronavirus. The Copa America, which is being played simultaneously in another part of the world, lost out badly in terms of attention, with few being interested in it.

But all that will change early on Sunday morning (India time), when hosts Brazil take on Argentina in Rio de Janeiro in the Copa America final. There is perhaps no bigger match, no bigger rivalry in football, one that extends beyond the boundaries of the two countries and turns friends into foes.

So while Europe might be waiting for the England against Italy Euro 2020 final, South America and millions around the world will be on the edge of their seats when Lionel Messi and Neymar take the field at the Maracana Stadium.

Brazil against Argentina is a true clasico. The teams first met in 1914 and in the years since have established themselves as two of the most storied sides in world soccer. Together they have won seven World Cups.

The two teams have been head and shoulders above their rivals in this year’s Copa America. Argentina are unbeaten in 19 games going into the showdown, while Brazil, the hosts and reigning champions, have not lost since Argentina beat them in a November 2019 friendly.

“Whether we like it or not they have the best player in the world (Messi),” said Brazil forward Richarlison.

“So that creates a certain rivalry. We know how difficult it is to beat Argentina, not just now but in the past as well, and we know how difficult it will be at the Maracana.”

Brazil beat Peru 1-0 in the semi-finals, while their neighbours, Argentina, beat Colombia on penalties to progress to the final.

Brazil may have a slender advantage being the hosts, but coach Tite can take nothing for granted. With Gabriel Jesus serving a two-game suspension and fullback Alex Sandro facing a late fitness test, Tite must choose his line-up wisely though Brazil have been playing well.

Paquetá, who plays at Lyon, has been Brazil’s second best player at the Copa after Neymar. He scored Brazil’s winning goals in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

Fred has also impressed alongside Casemiro in midfield in Tite’s 4-2-3-1 system. Thiago Silva has partnered Marquinhos in the heart of defence, while Ederson has got the big gloves at Alisson’s expense.

This year’s final is especially interesting because of the timing, in terms of organisation and personnel.

The Copa was supposed to be held in Colombia and Argentina but Brazil took over at the last minute due to unrest in Colombia and a Covid-19 surge in Argentina.

That annoyed Argentina, who were counting on home advantage after Brazil hosted the last tournament two years ago — when they beat Argentina 2-0 in a semi-final.

Rivalry within rivalry

Right after the semi-final, Neymar let it be known who he wanted to meet in the final in Rio. “I want Argentina. I am cheering for them because I have many friends there. In the final, Brazil will win.”

There is Ángel Di María and Leandro Paredes, Neymar’s Paris St Germain teammates, in the Argentina camp. But the Brazilian certainly meant Messi when he wished for Argentina as opponents in the final. Neymar vs Messi is the main narrative for the all-important match. The two were colleagues at Barcelona but the hunger to outdo each other is always there.

Both players, by the way, are chasing their first major international trophy. But Messi, who has fallen at the final hurdle numerous times, will be more desperate of the two. Messi returned empty-handed from three Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final. He wants to change that record for sure.

Tite was coy when asked if he planned to man-mark Messi. “I know but I am not telling you,” he said, before adding, “we don’t neutralise, we reduce their actions.”

But Neymar should be confident. With two goals and three assists so far in the tournament, he is closing in on Pele’s all-time scoring record for Brazil. He may also bank on the fact that he has never lost an international game in Brazil.

Neymar also has a superb record at the Maracana. “Films go through my head of all the glories and happy days I’ve had there,” the 31-year-old said.

“I’ve never lost there, and I hope that doesn’t change.”