Yet to see much from either Messi or Neymar yet, plenty of fouls just interrupting any early rhythm. Possession is split 50-50 while Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is extremely vocal on the sidelines in the early exchanges.

Bit of a rash challenge from the Manchester United man there, following through on Gonzalo Montiel and he has picked up a yellow card in just the third minute. He looks incredulous at the referee's decision but that was a tasty early challenge there. He's going to be walking a tightrope for a long time, now.

Brazil get us going and Otamendi sends Everton of Brazil tumbling inside 30 seconds. Very much "laying an early marker" there...

And it is Brazil who will kick the final off but first, a minute silence is held to remember those who have lost their lives to Covid-19.

The anthems are being played after the players walked out to a smattering of cheers and fireworks. Kick-off is moments away at the Maracana...

Of course, beyond the story of Messi the country of Argentina themselves are looking to end a 28-year wait for a top-level international tournament. Not since 1993's Copa America have they tasted international success.

Yes, I know what you're thinking. 28 years? Try 55! But now Argentina, like England, are one match away from the end of that barren spell.

The Villa goalkeeper was Argentina's hero in the semi-final as they defeated Colombia on penalties to reach tonight's final.

'We have Emi, who is a phenomenon,' said Messi, who converted from the spot himself in the shootout. 'We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play all the games and now we are going to the final.'

Fans are there tonight... but not in great numbers. 10 per cent of the 78,000 seats in Brazil's Maracana will be filled tonight due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The man of the moment

Argentina: Emi Martinez, Otamendi, Acuna, Montiel, Romero, De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso, Messi, Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez.

Subs: Marchesin, Armani, Tagliafico, Pezzella, Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Gomez, Angel Correa, Rodriguez, Palacios, Aguero, Gonzalez.

Brazil: Ederson, Thiago Silva, Danilo, Marquinhos, Renan Lodi,
Casemiro, Fred, Everton, Lucas Paqueta, Richarlison, Neymar

Subs: Weverton, Alisson, Alex Sandro, Emerson, Leo Ortiz,
Eder Militao, Everton Ribeiro, Fabinho, Douglas Luiz, Firmino,
Gabriel Barbosa, Vinicius Junior.

It's Messi's old team-mate who leads the charge against him tonight in Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar, the golden boy of Brazilian football. 110 caps to his name, 68 goals and yet his only trophy on the international stage is the 2013 Confederations Cup.

For him, winning the Copa America in the Maracana, even in the Covid-19 era of limited fans, would be a major landmark for him.

Of course, the major talking point ahead of this is how Messi can finally win his first major international honour with Argentina at the age of 34. It is extraordinary that for all he has achieved in his career, silverware with his country has eluded him up to this point. 

It is a massive game for how he will be remembered once his career has come to an end. Silverware tonight would be a massive achievement for him.

Not going to bed just yet, are you? It's Argentina v Brazil, Messi v Neymar in the final of the Copa America! Come on, stay up for it. It's going to be a thriller!