Brazil vs Argentina: Jesus, Firmino strikes eliminate Messi's men from Copa America 2019

Brazil without Neymar has proved to be better than Argentina with Lionel Messi.

Brazil without Neymar has proved to be better than Argentina with Lionel Messi as they progressed into the summit clash of Copa America 2019. (Photo | AP) 

In a performance that ended with 'ole' chants from the crowd, Brazil beat their arch-rivals 2-0 to play Sunday's final at the Maracana Stadium seeking 10th South American title. (Photo | AP)

Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at 19 minutes after a samba-style play from right-back Dani Alves. It was the striker's first goal in the tournament. (Photo | AP)

Roberto Firmino added the second at 71 minutes assisted by Jesus in front of 56,000 fans. (Photo | AP)

The visitors nearly leveled at 30 minutes, when Messi took a free kick and Agüero headed the ball onto the bar. Brazil's defense cleared and avoided conceding its first goal in five Copa America matches. (Photo | AP)

At 57 minutes, Messi hit Alisson's right post from close range. He also got the rebound, crossed the ball into the penalty box, but no Argentinian was near enough to push it to the net. (Photo | AP)

To keep the pressure on the Brazilians, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni substituted midfielder Acuña for winger Ángel di María. But a counter at 71 minutes punished his audacity. Jesus stole the ball in his half of the field and bulldozed through Argentina's left flank. Facing Armani, he gently assisted Firmino to score the final goal. (Photo | AP)

In what was always expected to be a feisty affair there were some wild early tackles flying in, and Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico was first to be booked for a lunge at Jesus. The pitch looked like it had been trampled by a herd of wildebeest before kick-off and both sides struggled to play flowing football. (Photo | AP)

Brazil's Arthur, confronts Argentina players after a rough play during a Copa America semifinal match at Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte. (Photo | AP)

Superstar Messi, meanwhile, remains without trophies for his national team despite showing his best performance in the tournament. (Photo | AP)