Argentina vs. Brazil: No Lionel Messi Spells Doom for Argentina

Let me just take a quick look at Argentina's lineup for this match here. Let's see Orion, Dominguez, Desabato, Cellay; Pillud, Fernandez, Zapata, Canteros, Papa; Boselli and Martinez. 

Wait, let me look at that again. Messi, Messi, Messi, I don't see a Messi on there. Well, I guess I am picking Brazil then.

Let's just peruse their lineup for a second: Jefferson, Mario Fernandes, Rhodolfo, Dede, Danilo; Casemiro, Ralf, Lucas Moura; Ronaldinho, Neymar and Leandro Damiao.

Yep, I am going with Brazil.

Argentina has been performing below expectations in International soccer with Lionel Messi. Their fortunes will not change without him.

This Argentina lineup is severely lacking in star power. Well, star power and talent. And while Brazil is not fielding the strongest possible club, they have a much more competent lineup and several marquee players.

All of that adds up to Brazil gaining a little revenge in this contest.

These two football giants have not met since last November. Argentina won by a score of 1-0. Guess who scored Argentina's goal? Yep, Lionel Messi. The win gave Argentina a 34-33 edge in the 90 matches played in this series.

So Brazil not only has an excellent opportunity to turn the tables from their last meeting, but they can even out the all-time standing of this great rivalry.

Ronaldinho has been a solid presence since returning to the senor Brazil squad. He is playing solid and has regained some of the form of his youth. His pinpoint passes have been invaluable. I expect him to set the table for Brazil in this one.

And most likely he will be setting it for Neymar, who is beginning to tap into his tremendous potential.

Brazil will win this one 2-0.