The state of the game for South America's heavyweights

Argentina's Messi failed to score during the tournament

So, it's Copa America final weekend and guess what? Host's Argentina and their bitter rivals Brazil aren't involved. At all. Not even in the third-place playoff. No, the final this year will be contested between Uruguay and Paraguay while Peru and Venezuela battle it out for the final spot on the podium. As the fans, are you shocked by the two heavyweights of the South American game missing on what is the continents finest showpiece? 

 To be honest with you, I am not. I can understand why some of you may be spitting their coffee across the room at the sight of the Samba stars and Lionel Messi and co. not battling it out for who is the greatest South American side and I really cannot blame you. Both footballing nations posses talent in abundance. Brazil with the likes of Neymar, Dani Alves and Robinho while Argentina can call on the attacking trio of Messi, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez to, supposedly, lead them to glory.

But, cast your thoughts back to South Africa and the World Cup, the greatest footballing show on earth and what happened when both sides came up against European opposition? Both were comprehensively, more Argentina, less Brazil, knocked out by their European counterparts at the same stage they were K.O'd at the Copa America; the quarter-finals. 

Don't get me wrong, the two sides are still a major force in international football but could it well be the case the shift in power is changing? For example, Uruguay are the overwhelming favourites to land the trophy tomorrow and with the talent at their disposal, it is hard to look past La Celeste Olímpica. 

After their fourth-place finish at the World Cup last year, Uruguay appear to be continuing the form that took them so far in South Africa and only just missed out on a place in the final. With Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani gracing the front-line, and in emphatic style, even Brazil and, perhaps, Argentina could be left wishing the trio had been born within the confides of their respective borders.

But it isn't just on the international stage where the power-shift is changing. On a club-level things aren't as rosy as they once were for Argentina's most famous side. Relegation for River Plate for the first time in their 110-year history after a number of years under-achieving saw the club saddled with masses of debt and having to sell prized asset Erik Lamela on the cheap to Italian side AS Roma. 

With that said, rivals Boca Juniors aren't enjoying a successful period on the pitch either and the fact remains, both of the capital clubs, and arguably Argentina's best known sides, have suffered somewhat of a demise in recent years with the likes of Estudiantes, Velez and Lanus taking their place at the summit of the Argentinean Primera Division.

Moving north of the continent to Brazil and we find a nation whose club football is booming. With the economy holding steadily high, it is the football that is heavily benefiting from the increase of money. Clubs can now afford to pay to bring star players, such as Ronaldinho, Robinho and, prior to his retirement, Ronaldo, back to their homeland following stints with Europe's best clubs.  

The strength of the Brasileirão can be highlighted through the recent spout of Copa Libertadores winners'. Out the previous six winners, four have been Brazilian, Internacional have won two while Sao Paulo and Santos have won one apiece with the latter picking up this years' trophy. Furthermore, the fact that clubs such as Internacional and Santos can keep hold of their star players' compared to previous years is a testament as to how far, financially, the Brazilian league has come.

Take for example, Internacional. Currently on their books is Leandro Damiao, a 22-year-old striker that has been linked with a move away from the club for most of the summer with Barcelona, Arsenal and Real Madrid all thought to be keeping tabs on the player. However, it is Tottenham Hotspur who emerged as front-runners to sign the Brazilian for a majority of the window.

Even the clubs head coach, Paulo Roberto Falcão, confessed that the player's exit was inevitable. However, with Inter hoping to hold onto their prized asset until December at least, they convinced Leandro to sign a new 5-year-deal which will strengthen the clubs resolve when, and if, it comes to selling the player.

Furthermore, take into account Neymar from Santos. He has been subject to intense speculation all summer about a proposed move to either Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea or Manchester City. Yet, with the club still revelling in the success of the Copa Libertadores, and a chance to compete in the Club World Cup in the coming months, Santos have been able to hold back on any bids until they feel the valuation of their player is met. 

The financial clout now available to clubs and players alike mean teams such as Inter and Santos are able to hold out for what they believe to be the correct value of their star players while offering the same players higher wages and better bonuses to remain true to their club. And it doesn't even have to apply to holding onto players. Corinthians came close to re-signing Tevez from City for £40m only for the deal to fall through at the last minute. Again, this further signifies the rising strength of the game, at club level, in Brazil. If only the same could be said about the Argentinean league.

Nevertheless, the fact that both nations are at different ends of the spectrum in terms of club level success, both will be considering their respective World Cup and Copa America campaigns an un-dignified failure. It leaves a lot to be desired for both nations especially with the quality of the players' available to both Brazil manager Mano Menezes and Argentina's Sergio Batista.

Either way, both will have to sit back and watch in envy as Uruguay take on Paraguay tomorrow with the former hoping to add to their successful time on the international stage in recent years.

Right, got to go.

Laters,

Macca

Follow me on Twitter here