MESSI & CO. SET TO FACE FIVE-TIME WORLD CUP CHAMPION BRAZIL

When the national teams of Brazil and Argentina meet, the world goes mad. It’s the “clasico” of the Americas, and naturally, pride is on the line. So be warned, when Leo Messi’s two-time World Cup champion Argentina meets Neymar’s five-time World Cup champion Brazil, fireworks will go off. MetLife Stadium is set to host one of the world’s most famous international soccer rivalries, Brazil vs. Argentina, on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 3 PM EST. The contest will be broadcast live in the U.S. on GolTV (English and Spanish).

The match will mark the first time that these teams face off on U.S. soil in the modern era.

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets throughout the New York/New Jersey area via Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

For each team, the highly anticipated visit will serve as a return trip to MetLife Stadium. Both Brazil and Argentina played the U.S. National Team at MetLife Stadium, on August 10, 2010 and March 26, 2011, respectively. For Brazil, the visit is one of many international stops on the Gillette Brazil World Tour and the third of their 2012 U.S. visit.

Commonly known as the “Battle of the South Americans,” the Brazil vs. Argentina rivalry dates back to 1914 and spans 92 matches over 97 years. Heading into the June 9 match at MetLife Stadium, the all-time record will stand at 34 wins apiece with 24 draws.  Argentina features the world’s best player in current FIFA Player of the Year, Lionel Messi while Brazil features one of the brightest young stars in the world game, Neymar.

Brazil is largely considered the most successful federation in international soccer, home to many of the sport’s icons, including Pele, Ronaldo, and current superstar Neymar. Brazil is the only nation to win five World Cups and is an eight-time continental champion. Equally impressive, Argentina is a 14-time continental champion, one of only five nations to hoist multiple World Cups, and home to legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.