Argentina vs. Brazil: Star Players to Watch in Key Friendly Match

It's always a marquee event when Argentina and Brazil battle on the pitch, even if it's only a friendly match. The immense amount of talent on the field when the South American powerhouses play always makes for an entertaining game.

Judging by the amount of offensive firepower on both sides, it should be an attack-minded match. With that in mind, let's take a look at three stars to watch on Saturday afternoon.

Hulk (Brazil)

Hulk has been the focal point of transfer talk after scoring 16 goals in Portuguese Liga play for Porto. The powerful striker has really learned to use that strength advantage to produce scoring chances over the past two seasons, taking his ability to a whole new level.

He showed off that skill in a friendly against Denmark a couple weeks ago, scoring two times and looking like the most dangerous player on the field throughout. They were the first two goals of his international career with many more to come.

With so many people watching the friendly, it will be a perfect opportunity for Hulk to prove he would be able to handle a move to a bigger club. It's important for him to get some touches early to find a rhythm, and from there he'll take control.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

No player has been more productive over the past handful of years than Messi, so it's hard for him to surprise people anymore. That said, to score 73 goals in single season is an astonishing accomplishment, even for him.

While he constantly dominates for Barcelona, Messi hasn't always carried that success over to the national team. He has just 23 goals in 69 appearances. His 21 assists suggest he spends more time attempting to set up his teammates.

The 24-year-old megastar has certainly become a capable passer, but Messi is most effective when he's attacking with an eye for goal. He does have four goals in his last two games for the squad, so look for that hot streak to continue.

Neymar (Brazil)

Usually players that are only a couple months removed from their 20th birthday still have several flaws. That's not the case for Neymar, who has established himself as one of the world's most dynamic young players at both the club and international levels.

He has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for Brazil and has started to form a terrific tandem with Hulk. Neymar has also scored more than 100 goals in four seasons with Santos. So slowing him down won't be easy for Argentina.

Brazil has been featuring a youthful squad in recent matches, allowing some of the teams' future stars to gain some valuable experience. If the team can figure out a way to defeat La Albiceleste, it will provide a huge confidence boost moving forward.