2021 Copa América Final: Player Ratings & Analysis

Alright, football fanatics! Let's dive deep into the heart of the action and dissect the player performances from the unforgettable 2021 Copa América final. This was more than just a game; it was a clash of titans, a battle for South American supremacy, and a moment etched forever in the annals of football history. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's break down exactly how each player fared under the immense pressure of this epic encounter.

Argentina Player Ratings

Argentina entered the final with a burning desire to end their trophy drought, and boy, did they deliver! Each player stepped up, giving their all in a performance that showcased their unity, determination, and sheer talent. Let’s dissect their individual contributions:

Emiliano Martínez (Goalkeeper) - Rating: 9/10

Emiliano Martínez, affectionately known as 'Dibu,' was an absolute rock in goal. His commanding presence and crucial saves kept Brazil at bay. Let's be real, guys, his performance was nothing short of heroic. His agility and reflexes were on full display, denying Brazil's potent attack time and again. Dibu's ability to read the game and anticipate danger was exceptional, ensuring Argentina maintained their lead. Beyond his shot-stopping prowess, his distribution was also top-notch, launching quick counter-attacks. And who can forget his antics in the penalty shootout against Colombia in the semi-final? He brings that same level of intensity and psychological edge to every game. Martínez wasn't just a goalkeeper in the final; he was a leader, an inspiration, and a symbol of Argentina's unwavering spirit. He truly earned his place as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and this final only cemented that status. He is a huge part of Argentina's success and will be for years to come. He instilled confidence in his defenders, allowing them to play with more freedom and assurance. Overall, a world-class performance from a world-class goalkeeper.

Gonzalo Montiel (Right-Back) - Rating: 7/10

Gonzalo Montiel put in a solid, dependable shift at right-back. He was tenacious in his challenges and provided good cover for the defense. While he might not have been the flashiest player on the pitch, his consistency and reliability were vital to Argentina's defensive structure. He effectively neutralized the threat from the Brazilian left flank, limiting their opportunities to create dangerous attacks. Montiel's work rate was commendable, tirelessly tracking back and making crucial interceptions. He also showed composure on the ball, contributing to Argentina's build-up play from the back. Although he didn't venture forward as much as some modern full-backs, his defensive solidity was exactly what Argentina needed in such a high-stakes match. He understood his role perfectly and executed it with precision and discipline. He's the kind of player every team needs, someone who puts in the hard yards and always gives 100%. Montiel's contribution might not always grab the headlines, but his importance to the team is undeniable.

Cristian Romero (Center-Back) - Rating: 8/10

Cristian Romero was an absolute beast in the heart of the Argentine defense. His tough tackling, aerial dominance, and no-nonsense approach frustrated the Brazilian attackers. Guys, he was a rock! His partnership with Otamendi was crucial to keeping Brazil's potent attack at bay. He consistently won his aerial duels, clearing dangerous crosses and set-pieces. Romero's ability to read the game and anticipate danger was exceptional, making vital interceptions and tackles. He was also composed on the ball, starting attacks from the back with his accurate passing. His presence instilled confidence in the entire team, allowing them to play with more freedom and assurance. Romero's performance in the final was a testament to his growing reputation as one of the best defenders in the world. He's a player who leads by example, putting his body on the line and always giving his all for the team. His passion and commitment are infectious, inspiring his teammates to raise their game. He is the kind of defender that every team wants to have.

Nicolás Otamendi (Center-Back) - Rating: 7.5/10

Nicolás Otamendi brought his experience and grit to the Argentine defense. He was a towering presence in the air and made several crucial blocks and clearances. While he occasionally showed his trademark rashness, his overall performance was solid and dependable. He formed a strong partnership with Romero, effectively neutralizing the threat of Neymar and the Brazilian attack. Otamendi's leadership and organizational skills were also vital, ensuring the Argentine defense maintained its shape and discipline. He communicated effectively with his teammates, guiding them through difficult moments and maintaining their focus. Despite his age, Otamendi showed remarkable stamina and determination, battling tirelessly throughout the match. His experience and composure were invaluable to the team, especially in the tense final stages. He demonstrated his commitment to the team and his willingness to fight for every ball. Otamendi's contribution to Argentina's victory should not be underestimated.

Marcos Acuña (Left-Back) - Rating: 7/10

Marcos Acuña provided a dynamic presence on the left flank, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. He was energetic, tenacious, and always willing to get forward to support the attack. Acuña's crossing ability was a constant threat to the Brazilian defense, creating several opportunities for Argentina. He also tracked back diligently, helping to contain the Brazilian wingers and prevent them from creating dangerous attacks. Acuña's work rate was impressive, covering a lot of ground and contributing to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. He showed great determination and resilience, battling tirelessly throughout the match. His performance demonstrated his versatility and his importance to the Argentine team. He is the kind of player that every team needs, someone who can contribute in multiple positions and always gives 100%. Acuña's contribution to Argentina's victory was significant, and he can be proud of his performance.

Rodrigo De Paul (Midfielder) - Rating: 8.5/10

Rodrigo De Paul was the engine of the Argentine midfield, dictating the tempo and providing crucial passes. His energy, vision, and determination were instrumental in Argentina's victory. He was all over the pitch, winning tackles, making interceptions, and driving the team forward with his incisive passing. De Paul's ability to read the game and anticipate danger was exceptional, making him a constant threat to the Brazilian midfield. He also showed great composure on the ball, retaining possession under pressure and creating opportunities for his teammates. His assist for Di Maria's goal was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his vision and technical ability. De Paul's performance in the final was a testament to his growing reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world. He is a player who leads by example, inspiring his teammates with his work rate and determination. He is the heartbeat of the Argentine team, and his contribution to their victory was immense.

Guido Rodríguez (Defensive Midfielder) - Rating: 7/10

Guido Rodríguez provided a solid shield in front of the Argentine defense. His tactical awareness, positional discipline, and tough tackling helped to nullify the Brazilian midfield. He was always in the right place at the right time, making crucial interceptions and breaking up Brazilian attacks. Rodríguez's presence allowed the more attacking players in the Argentine midfield to express themselves freely, knowing that they had a reliable defensive anchor behind them. He also showed composure on the ball, distributing possession intelligently and keeping things simple. His performance was understated but vital to Argentina's defensive solidity. He is the kind of player who does the dirty work, allowing his teammates to shine. Rodríguez's contribution to Argentina's victory should not be underestimated. He provided the stability and balance that the team needed to succeed.

Giovani Lo Celso (Midfielder) - Rating: 6.5/10

Giovani Lo Celso had a decent game, contributing with his work rate and passing range. However, he wasn't as influential as he can be and was eventually substituted. He showed glimpses of his quality, making some incisive passes and creating opportunities for his teammates. However, he also struggled to impose himself on the game consistently and was often overshadowed by the more dominant midfielders. Lo Celso's work rate was commendable, but his impact on the game was limited. He needs to improve his consistency and decision-making to become a truly world-class player. While he didn't have his best game in the final, he still contributed to the team's effort and played his part in their victory. He will be looking to improve his performances in future matches and cement his place in the Argentine team.

Lionel Messi (Forward) - Rating: 8/10

Lionel Messi finally clinched his first major international trophy with Argentina, and while he didn't score, his influence on the game was undeniable. His dribbling, passing, and playmaking ability were a constant threat to the Brazilian defense. He created several opportunities for his teammates and was always looking to make something happen. Messi's determination and desire to win were evident throughout the match, and his leadership inspired his teammates to give their all. While he missed a late chance to seal the victory, his overall performance was excellent, and he fully deserved to lift the trophy. Messi's victory in the Copa América was a crowning moment in his illustrious career, silencing his critics and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. He showed incredible resilience and determination to finally achieve his dream of winning a major international title with Argentina. Messi's impact on the game extends beyond his goals and assists; he inspires his teammates and elevates their performances. He is a true icon of the sport, and his victory in the Copa América was a fitting reward for his exceptional talent and dedication.

Ángel Di María (Forward) - Rating: 9/10

Ángel Di María was the match-winner, scoring the decisive goal with a brilliant finish. His pace, skill, and determination were a constant threat to the Brazilian defense. He ran tirelessly throughout the match, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Di María's goal was a moment of pure brilliance, showcasing his technique and composure under pressure. He timed his run perfectly and finished with aplomb, leaving the Brazilian goalkeeper with no chance. His performance in the final was a testament to his resilience and his ability to perform on the big stage. He has often been criticized for his inconsistent performances, but he silenced his doubters with his match-winning goal. Di María's contribution to Argentina's victory was immense, and he fully deserved to be named man of the match. He proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form in future matches.

Lautaro Martínez (Forward) - Rating: 6/10

Lautaro Martínez worked hard upfront but didn't have much of an impact on the game. He was well-marked by the Brazilian defense and struggled to create opportunities for himself. He showed glimpses of his quality, making some intelligent runs and linking up well with his teammates. However, he lacked the clinical finishing touch that he is known for and failed to convert the few chances that came his way. Martínez's work rate was commendable, but his overall performance was disappointing. He needs to improve his composure in front of goal and become more ruthless in his finishing. While he didn't have his best game in the final, he still contributed to the team's effort and played his part in their victory. He will be looking to bounce back in future matches and prove his worth to the Argentine team.

Brazil Player Ratings

Brazil, the defending champions, fought hard but ultimately fell short against a determined Argentina side. While some players shone, others struggled to make an impact. Let's analyze their individual performances:

Alisson Becker (Goalkeeper) - Rating: 6/10

Alisson Becker couldn't be blamed for the goal and didn't have much else to do. He was relatively untroubled for most of the match, but he could do nothing about Di Maria's brilliant finish. He made a few routine saves and distributed the ball well, but he wasn't called upon to make any outstanding stops. Alisson's performance was solid but unremarkable. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but he wasn't able to showcase his full range of abilities in the final. He will be disappointed with the result, but he can take solace in the fact that he couldn't have done much more to prevent Argentina's victory. He will be looking to bounce back in future matches and help Brazil reclaim their title.

Danilo (Right-Back) - Rating: 5.5/10

Danilo struggled to contain Di María and offered little going forward. He was often caught out of position and failed to track Di Maria's runs effectively. He also struggled to make an impact in the attacking third, offering little support to the Brazilian forwards. Danilo's performance was disappointing, and he will be looking to improve in future matches. He needs to be more disciplined defensively and more effective in the attacking third. He is a talented player, but he needs to show more consistency in his performances.

Marquinhos (Center-Back) - Rating: 6.5/10

Marquinhos was solid defensively but couldn't prevent Di María's goal. He made several important tackles and interceptions, but he was ultimately unable to keep the Argentine attack at bay. He also showed composure on the ball, distributing possession intelligently and starting attacks from the back. Marquinhos' performance was decent, but he will be disappointed with the result. He is one of the best defenders in the world, but he couldn't prevent Argentina from scoring the decisive goal.

Thiago Silva (Center-Back) - Rating: 7/10

Thiago Silva brought his experience to the Brazilian defense and made some crucial interventions. His leadership, positioning, and reading of the game were vital in keeping the Argentine attack at bay. He made several important tackles and interceptions, and he also organized the Brazilian defense effectively. Silva's performance was solid, and he showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with, even at his age. He is a true professional and a role model for young players. His contribution to the Brazilian team should not be underestimated.

Renan Lodi (Left-Back) - Rating: 5/10

Renan Lodi had a tough time against Messi and was at fault for the Argentina goal. He was often caught out of position and failed to track Messi's runs effectively. He also struggled to make an impact in the attacking third, offering little support to the Brazilian forwards. Lodi's performance was disappointing, and he will be looking to improve in future matches. He needs to be more disciplined defensively and more effective in the attacking third. He is a talented player, but he needs to show more consistency in his performances.

Casemiro (Defensive Midfielder) - Rating: 7.5/10

Casemiro patrolled the midfield with his usual energy and determination. He won tackles, made interceptions, and broke up Argentine attacks. His work rate and defensive discipline were crucial in protecting the Brazilian defense. He helped to shield the back four and provided a solid platform for the more attacking players to express themselves. His commitment to the team is unquestionable and is an integral part of the Brazil squad.

Fred (Midfielder) - Rating: 6/10

Fred put in a decent shift but was largely ineffective in the final third. He worked tirelessly in midfield, winning tackles and making interceptions. However, he lacked the creativity and vision to unlock the Argentine defense. He can hold his head high for his contribution but he needs to improve his final ball if he wants to become a top midfielder.

Everton (Forward) - Rating: 5/10

Everton struggled to make an impact and was eventually substituted. He was well-marked by the Argentine defense and failed to create any clear-cut chances. He will be disappointed with his performance but will be determined to improve in the future.

Richarlison (Forward) - Rating: 6.5/10

Richarlison showed flashes of brilliance but couldn't find the back of the net. His pace, skill, and determination were a constant threat to the Argentine defense. He created a few opportunities for himself, but he was unable to convert them. His performance was decent, but he will be disappointed not to have scored. Still, he is one to watch in the future.

Neymar (Forward) - Rating: 7/10

Neymar tried his best to inspire Brazil but was well-marshaled by the Argentine defense. He showed glimpses of his brilliance, with his dribbling, passing, and playmaking ability. However, he was unable to break down the resolute Argentine defense. He will be disappointed with the result, but he can hold his head high for his effort. A true superstar of the game.

Lucas Paquetá (Midfielder) - Rating: 6/10

Lucas Paquetá showed some nice touches but lacked the final pass. He worked hard in midfield, but he was unable to unlock the Argentine defense. His work ethic is to be admired.

That's a wrap, guys! Hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the player ratings from the 2021 Copa América final. It was a match filled with drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. Until next time, keep enjoying the beautiful game!