Copa America has always been a tournament to look up to. The South American competition which is the oldest in history starts on June 13. The superstars from around the world will join their respective national teams in order to lift the trophy. Let us look at 10 players who could impress in the Copa America 2021 this summer.

10 players to keep an eye on in Copa America 2021:

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi has always been the talk of the town. The magician on the pitch had a hard time while playing for his national team. Frequently criticized for his performance for the National team and not having an international trophy in his cabinet, Messi has a chance to put this all to an end this season. After losing back to back finals in 2015 and 2016 against Chile where he missed the ever crucial penalty, Messi had a lot on his plate. After a semi-final exit in 2019 they hope to win the competition this year. Leo had a great season individually as always with 39 goal involvements this season. This is probably the last chance for Messi to win the Copa and he will give his best to bring it home for the blues.

Also Read: Players With the Most Assists In Football History

2. Neymar (Brazil)

The most expensive player in history is Brazil's main man in this competition. Neymar will shoulder Brazil's hopes of defending the title they won in 2019. Although he had a disappointing season with PSG, the Brazilian remains a threat for the opponents. His individual skills are incomparable, he creates chances out of nothing for the team and is also a prolific goal scorer at the same time. Brazil will heavily count on the superstar but injury has always been a scare for him.

3. Federico Valverde (Uruguay)

There are many superstars in the Uruguayan national team but this youngster has impressed everyone with his commitment to the team. The 22-year-old midfielder had a huge impact on the Laliga but was injured in the latter part of the season, which also cost Real Madrid the Laliga. The Uruguayan sensation quickly made himself a name in an enormous club like Real Madrid. He is definitely one of the talents to watch for this season.

Also read: Copa America 2021: Schedule, fixture, timings, everything you need to know

4. Duván Zapata (Colombia)

The 30 year old is a successful striker in the Italian Top Flight for Atalanta. The Atalanta team has achieved great heights in the recent times both in the UCL and the league. He netted 15 goals in 37 league appearances last season. He is also the most expensive player in the Colombian squad with a market value of $41.80 million.

5. Renato Tapia (Peru)

The 25-year-old centre back has build his career in Europe. He played in the Eridivisie most of his career and recently joined Celta Vigo in a free transfer. Tapia is a key piece at the Peruvian national team's defense. He already has played 53 games with Peru, and is a trusted defender just at the age of 25.

6. Miguel Almirón (Paraguay)

The Paraguayan has grown and earned his experience in MLS. Then he moved to the Premier League where he established himself at Newcastle Utd. The promising youngster is also Paraguay's most expensive player valued at $17.60 million.

Also read: Copa America winners list of the last 10 editions

7. Josef Martínez (Venezuela)

Injury has ruined almost two years of his career. The Venezuelan striker has missed over a year of action due to a torn ACL. He has an incredible impact on the MLS for Atlanta United. Josef led the title-winning run with Atlanta United in 2018 by scoring 31 goals earning him the MVP award. He already has 12 goals in 54 appearances with Venezuela's senior team and is one of the crucial players to watch out for in Copa America 2021.

8. Pervis Estupiñan (Ecuador)

Ecuador's exciting left-back has fought hard to earn a place in one of Europe's top five leagues after several loan moves from Watford. The Europa League champions Villarreal C.F bought him from Osasuna for $18 million ahead of the 2020/21 season. Although Estupiñán couldn't make it to the starting lineup, he has a bright future ahead of him.

9. Ben Brereton (Chile)

Chile won back-to-back Copa America in 2015 and 2016 defeating Argentina in the shoot-outs. Along side veteran forward Alexis Sanchez, Chile have handed a shock call-up to Blackburn Rovers striker Brereton. Although he has played for England at under-19 level, he could be a Chilean star in the near future. The 22-year-old has scored seven goals and provided five assists for Rovers in the championship.

10. Erwin Saavedra (Bolivia)

The right midfielder from Bolivia is a player to watch out for in this tournament. The 25-year-old has already scored 14 goals and 11 assists in 72 appearances with the local giants. He has also earned 18 caps with the national team. He is also the highest valued player in the Bolivia squad with a market value of $1.21 million.

Read more for the upcoming Euro 2020: Euro 2020 Schedule, Groups and Fixtures: Every Detail on Euro 2020

Messi vs Ronaldo is the biggest and the best rivalry in football history that is going on for the last decade. Such as the talent and success rate of both the players that they keep breaking records literally every match. Even with their age both of them keep pushing themselves to be the best version of themselves. Also, in order not to miss the opportunity to make money from playing your favourite players, you can download the Bluechip casino apk to make bets on your device.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

In the Premier League contest between Manchester United and Norwich City, Ronaldo scored a scintillating hat-trick to save United from another loss. In that hat-trick, Ronaldo scored a stunner with the free-kick to equal Messi's record of 58 career free-kick goals.

However, with a stunner against Jamaica in an international friendly, Messi went past Ronaldo and then followed that with his first goal from the dead ball for PSG.

Lionel Messi the wizard and freekicks!#LionelMessi #PSGNice pic.twitter.com/xhUxZ63cpc

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) October 1, 2022

Read Also: Top 10 Highest scorers in the history of the UEFA Euros (Updated)

Messi in total has a success rate of 16.5 games per free-kick goal. Meanwhile, Cristiano has a success rate of a free-kick scored every 19.5 games. Moreover, Messi has a conversion rate of 9% in leagues. Meanwhile, Cristiano has a conversion rate of 6.2% in leagues when it comes to scoring from set-pieces.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo has a better success rate when it comes to taking free-kick for his country. Ronaldo scores in every 19.1 games in free kicks. On the other hand, Messi scores a free-kick for Argentina every 18.1 games.

Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo: Hat-tricks for each Club

Messi vs Ronaldo Free-kick details

Messi has scored 51 free-kick goals at the club level whereas Ronaldo has scored 48 free-kick goals at the club level. Lionel Messi has scored 9 free-kick goals for Argentina. Meanwhile, Cristiano Rolando has 10 goals for Portugal. In the Champions League Messi has 5 free-kick goals whereas Ronaldo has 12 UCL free-kick goals.

Though both of them are at the end of their career, the Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry is far from over.

Messi's full list of free-kick scored | Messi vs Ronaldo

Ronaldo's full list of free-kick scored | Messi vs Ronaldo

As we approach the end of the calendar year, now is a good time to look back on the last 12 months and reflect on what some of the biggest stories have been in the world of sport. 

Gerwyn Price Wins Maiden World Darts Championship

Welshman Gerwyn Price once played professional rugby but a switch in sports paid off for him as he is now one of the leading darts players in the world. The 36-year-old prevailed in the most prestigious darts event in the world back in January, the PDC World Darts Championship.

Price defeated Gary Anderson 7-3 in the final in what was an outstanding performance at the Alexandra Palace in London. He is the 7/2 favourite in the darts betting from Betfair to defend his crown in the 2022 tournament.

The defending champion recently won the Grand Slam of Darts so goes into the event as one of the leading darts tips. The number one seed is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner since Anderson in 2016.

Read also: Everything you need to know ahead of SPOTY 2021

Italy and Brazil Prevail in Respective Continental Tournaments

It was a huge year in international football for Italy and Brazil. The former was successful in the European Championship. They defeated England in the final at Wembley after penalties.

Roberto Mancini's side defeated Belgium and Spain on their way to the final. It was a return to form at a major event for Italy, as just three years earlier they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Over in South America, seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi finally won his maiden major tournament with Argentina. They defeated their biggest rivals Brazil in the final of Copa America 2021. The PSG forward has won just about every domestic silverware available to him but this trophy will be very special to him.

Argentina will be one of the strong contenders for the World Cup next year in Qatar. This latest win will give them a lot of confidence ahead of that tournament next November.

Australia on Top of the World in T20 World Cup

The T20 World Cup was the biggest cricket tournament in 2021 and after seven attempts, Australia finally got their hands on the trophy. Prior to the final in Dubai, the Aussies had only reached the final once, they were beaten by England in 2010.

In what was a tense semi-final encounter, Australia defeated Pakistan by five wickets. David Warner was Australia's leading run-scorer at the tournament, and he starred with the bat, scoring 49 runs from 30 balls.

Australia won the toss in the final and opted to bowl first. They restricted New Zealand to 172 and they made easy work of reaching that total. Mitchell Marsh finished with an unbeaten 77 to help his side prevail by eight wickets.

Justin Langer will now be hoping his side can complete the World Cup double by landing the trophy in the 50 overs format of the game in 2023 in India.

Hopefully, 2022 produces some memorable sporting storylines too. With so many major events scheduled for next year, there is a good chance it will be a great 12 months.

The year 2021 has seen a lot of memorable moments in football. From Argentina winning the Copa to Messi winning his 7th Ballon d'Or, the year has been a rollercoaster for all the football fans. So let us see the top 10 best football moments of 2021.

The top 10 best football moments are:

#1. Simon Kjær heroic contributions to save Christian Eriksen's life 

Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's first Euro 2020 game against Finland. Simon Kjær was the only player who rushed to his assistant. Simon Kjærs' on-field support to Eriksen has proved to be vital as it saved his life. The center-back also comforted his family and partner and has been a real-life Hero figure on that day. This is the one of the Top 10 Best football moments.

#2. Italy winning the Euro 2020 after 50 years

England vs Italy was one of the best matches of football this year. Both teams finished the full time and the awaited extra time at 1-1 and the match was finally being decided on penalties. Gianluigi Donnarumma came out as the Hero as he made a heroic penalty save to give his country their first Euro Cup in 50 years.

#3. Argentina won the Copa America after 30 years

Lionel Messi and Co. have suffered a lot in previous editions of Copa America, including a horrible penalty miss from Messi during their 2016 finals against Chile. However, this year they finally did it as they beat Brazil by 1-0. Thus fulfilling Messi's dream of winning Copa America.

#4. Lionel Messi wins his 7th Ballon d'Or

After a long debate and opinions between Lewandowski and Messi, we finally got the answer as Lionel Messi has achieved his 7th Ballon d'Or award and is the only player to win it a record 7 times.

#5. Chelsea win the 2021 Champions League 

Chelsea won their second UCL in 2021, after defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the finals. Thomas Tuchel's arrival in January has proved to be a masterstroke for the club's future as he managed to win the trophy. Overcoming their unsuccessful run with PSG in the 19/20 finals.

#6. Robert Lewandowski breaks Gerd Muller's record

Gerd Muller's record of scoring 40 goals in one Bundesliga season was finally broken by Robert Lewandowski at the end of last season. The Bayern Munich striker scored 41 goals in 29 appearances, and also won the 2021 European Golden Shoe.

#7. Atletico Madrid win La Liga on the final day 

Diego Simeone's side has overshadowed Real Madrid and won the La Liga title on the final day of the league. Both sides saw a fierce battle on the final matchday in their respective matches but it was the red and white side of Madrid that emerged victoriously.

#8. Ronaldo's Manchester United return 

One of the most shocking moments occurred when Cristiano Ronaldo came back to his home, Manchester United. The former Real Madrid and Juventus star decided to go back to his home, which gave him the exposure to become one of the best. On the other hand, Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona to PSG also turned all heads and shocked fans all over the world.

#9. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first-ever player to score 800 goals 

Records come, records go but Cristiano Ronaldo's name has always been found in some of those records. The Portuguese superstar is the only footballer to score 800+ official goals and not only that, he is the only active player to do so.

#10. Jorginho wins UEFA Men's POTY 

Jorginho not only won the Champions League with Chelsea, but he also played a very important part in Italy's Euro 2020 win. As a result, he earned UEFA's Player of the Year for 2021.

The oldest continental competition always holds a special heritage over others. However, European competitions have gained popularity in recent times. Copa America is always a tough tournament to play in and finishing the competition with the highest goals is a great achievement itself. So, we bring you an elite list of top scorers in each of the last 10 editions of the tournament.

Also Read: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

List of top scorers in the previous 10 editions of Copa America (1997-2021):

Luis Hernandez (1997)

Luis Arturo Hernández Carreón is a Mexican former professional footballer. Known by his nickname "El Matador". Bolivia hosted the 38th edition of the tournament for the second time in its history. Although he finished as the top scorer with 6 goals, his team failed to win. However, Brazil won the tournament and the invitees Mexico finished as a third-placed team. Although Luis was the top scorer, Ronaldo won the best player award for his brilliant performance which led Brazil to its 5th Copa America title.

Also Read: 9 longest unbeaten streaks in football: Italy Football Team's 32 beaten run

Rivaldo, Ronaldo (1999)

Paraguay hosted the 1999 Copa America with 10 South American teams and Mexico and Japan as invitees. Although Brazil was on the back of a disappointing world cup defeat, they still managed to win the Copa next year. Both Rivaldo and Ronaldo stepped up for Brazil with 5 goals each. As a result, the competition had both of them as the joint-highest goal scorers.

Víctor Aristizábal (2001)

Colombia hosted the tournament in 2001 and also went on to win the tournament for the first time. Above all, they became the first-ever team to win the competition without conceding a single goal. Víctor Aristizábal was the top scorer of the tournament with 6 goals to his name. Certainly, he had a major impact in the title-winning run of Colombia in 2001.

Also Read: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

Adriano (2004)

The 2004 Copa América was the 41st edition of the tournament. Brazil won the tournament defeating Argentina over shoot-outs in the final. Adriano bagged both the top scorer and the best player award of the tournament. He scored 7 goals and made Brazil hold the World Cup and Copa América titles simultaneously for the second time in history.

Robinho (2007)

The 2007 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, known simply as the 2007 Copa América was the 42nd edition of the tournament. Especially it was Venezuela's first time hosting the tournament. Brazil once again won the final by defeating Argentina but this time with a convincing scoreline of 3-0. Robinho was the top scorer in the tournament with 6 goals. He also won the best player award in 2007 for his brilliant display on the pitch.

Also Read: Highest International Goalscorers in football history

Paolo Guerrero (2011)

Argentina hosted the 43rd edition of the tournament. Paolo Guerrero, the Peruvian international emerged as the top scorer of the tournament with 5 goals. However, he couldn't help Peru cross the line and Uruguay won the tournament defeating Paraguay 3-0 in the finals. Consequently, Luis Suarez was awarded the best player of the tournament award.

Also Read: Players With the Most Assists In Football History

Eduardo Vargas (2015, 2016)

Chile hosted the 44th edition of the tournament and also went on to win it for the first time in its history. They defeated Argentina in the final over shoot-outs. Eduardo Vargas was the top scorer of the tournament with 4 goals. However, he had another contender Paolo Guerrero who also scored 4 goals in the tournament. This was the first tournament of Copa America's history where the "MVP" award was not given. Lionel Messi of Argentina was to receive the award but rejected it

The Copa América Centenario was an international men's association football tournament that was hosted by the United States in 2016. The competition was a celebration of the centenary of CONMEBOL and the Copa América and was the first Copa América hosted outside South America. Similarly, Chile repeated their feat and won the title once again defeating Argentina in the penalty shootouts. Eduardo Vargas was once again the top scorer of the tournament but this time the only one with 6 goals. On the other hand, Alexis Sanchez received the best player award or the MVP.

Everton (2019)

The 2019 Copa América was the 46th edition of the tournament. Brazil won their 9th title pretty convincingly defeating Peru 3-1 in the final. The host nation knocked out Argentina in the semi-finals who further went on to win third place. Everton was awarded the top scorer award after scoring 3 goals in the campaign. Paolo Guerrero also scored three goals throughout the tournament but played more minutes than Everton.

Also Read: Brazil Coach Tite fined $5000 for criticising Copa America

Lionel Messi (2021)

Brazil hosted the 2021 Copa America after Argentina and Colombia failed to host the tournament. However, the men in blue managed to win their first international competition in 28 years with Leo Messi playing a major part in it. Arguably the best player on the planet just lacked an international trophy in his cabinet, but now he has it. Messi led from the front in Argentina's 15th title triumph with 4 goals being the top scorer of the tournament. Luis Diaz also had the same no. of goals as Messi but the Argentine has more assists which made him the deserving winner of the award. Moreover, the Argentine midget also won the award of being the best player in the tournament.

Also Read Messi vs Ronaldo: Messi has now overtaken Ronaldo's free-kick record

The fourth and last quarter-final of the Copa America 2021 will be played between Argentina and Ecuador. The match will be played in Goiania. Read full Argentina vs Ecuador match preview from your special fantasy sports section. The Argentine team lead by Lionel Messi will be favourites to win this clash and head on to semis o Copa America 2021.

Read Also: Football Gossip: Laporta's dream, Messi and Ronaldo at Barcelona

Argentina vs Ecuador: the recent form of both teams:

Argentina has been far from their best in the tournament so far. However, they have shown solid defensive game throughout the group stage. Meanwhile, the mid-filed game has been in question some times.

The tournament favorites started their campaign against Chile drawing 1-1. Lionel Messi magical free-kick went in vein as Eduardo Vargas scored from a rebound penalty. Then they have managed to score early in every game they played.

Against Uruguay, they found their mojo back as they defeated the much stronger side 1-0. Guido Rodriguez was the man to net the ball for Lionel Scaloni's team. After that Messi and company have managed to win the rest of the matches in Group B. They defeated Paraguay (1-0) and Bolivia (4-1) respectively to top the group.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

Argentina Copa America form: D W W W

Argentina form (all competitions): D D W W W

Meanwhile, Ecuador had to fight for their fourth position in Group B. They started the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia. Then followed a heart-breaking draw against Venezuela (2-2). Ayrton Preciado and Gonzalo Plata had socred for them in that game.

After that, Ecuador drew against Peru and that game also saw them share points after leading the game. Angelo Preciado netted the ball for them. But a much-needed point against the favourites Brazi saw them qualify for the next round. Angel Mena was their man to rescue at the 53rd minute of the game.

Ecuador Copa America form: L D D D

Ecuador form (all competitions): L L D D D

Read Also: Copa America winners list of the last 10 editions

Argentina vs Ecuador: team news, head to head record and Probable starting xi

Argentina

All eyes will be on captain Lionel Messi who already has scored thrice and also have two assists in Copa America 2021. He will have to be under scrutiny to perform in big matches for Argentina. The number 10 of the Argentine team is now has played more matches than anyone for Argentina.

Sergio Aguero will be another man in the leading position to put Argentina ahead as early as possible. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how Scaloni uses Di Maria who is not having a great Copa America till now.

There is also a chance of Nicolas Otamendi joining the team to pack the defense with more experience.

#Sub23 La Selección olímpica completó su entrenamiento vespertino ⚽

🇦🇷 Te dejamos un compacto de la sesión 📽 pic.twitter.com/QgUvc2nbaY

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 2, 2021

Argentina possible starting lineup:
E Martinez; Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Otamendi, Acuna; Paredes, Lo Celso; Lautaro Martinez, Messi, Gomez; Aguero

Ecuador

Moises Caicedo should be available for the game. Ayrton Preciado, Valencia will hold the key for the Ecuador team in the forward line. Though, Valencia has not been able to score in the tournament till now.

Arboleda, Estupinan holds the back for the Ecuador team. Meanwhile, Jhegson Mendez and Brighton & Hove Albion prospect Moises Caicedo will be key men in the mid-field for them.

Ecuador possible starting lineup:
Galindez; Angelo Preciado, Hincapie, Arboleda, Estupinan; Franco, Mendez, Caicedo, Palacios; Ayrton Preciado, Valencia

Head to head

Total matches: 36
Argentina won: 21
Ecuador won: 5
Draw: 5

Argentina vs Ecuador: Dream11 Fantasy football team and predictions

You must change your team if any of this players isn't announced in the final staring xi.