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XtraTime Web Desk: Brazil gaffer Tite has made an interesting statement on the threat of Lionel Messi ahead of Tuesday’s Copa America semi-final match against Argentina.

The Barcelona captain has had a pretty quiet tournament so far but Tite is well aware that he will provide a threat when the two teams meet for a place in the final.

“We spoke not only of the individuality of Argentina. They have grown in collective terms as well,” the Brazil coach told a news conference.

”The collective enhances individuality. You don’t cancel out Messi, no, you can slow his actions, but you cannot neutralise his actions.

”Just as [Philippe] Coutinho does not neutralise himself, [Roberto] Firmino, David Neres. They will, at some point, be decisive.”

Argentina narrowly avoided an early exit from the tournament after struggling in the group stages but were the only team not to need penalties to go through in the quarter-finals.

The winner of the clash between Argentina and Brazil will face either Chile or Peru in Sunday’s final at the Maracanã.