In the second half, Inter Milan pushed aggressively for an equalizer, winning corners and creating several dangerous situations. AC Milan remained compact defensively, relying on quick breaks to keep Inter under pressure. Substitutions on both sides brought fresh energy, but neither team could change the scoreline.

With this result, AC Milan move to 60 points, reducing the gap to seven behind Inter Milan, who remain on 67. The win is a vital boost for AC Milan in the Serie A title race, with just ten matchdays remaining. Inter Milan will need to respond in their upcoming fixtures to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

In a recent interview with Podpah, the Real Madrid forward revealed the toughest defender he has ever faced: Ecuadorian left-back Pervis Estupiñan. “The hardest defender I’ve played against was the full-back from Villarreal—he’s Ecuadorian. It’s Pervis Estupiñán. He was really tough, strong, and fast. It was very difficult to get past him,”

Rodrygo admitted. While Estupiñan no longer plays for Villarreal, having moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, his defensive prowess left a lasting impression on the Brazilian.

Rodrygo had plenty of elite defenders to choose from, having faced world-class names such as Alejandro Balde, Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Marcos Acuña, and Nicolás Tagliafico. However, he still recalls his battle against Estupiñan, who, at one point, was considered among the best in his position before an unfortunate injury halted his momentum.

Rodrygo Goes: Real Madrid’s rising star

Rodrygo’s journey to the Santiago Bernabéu began at Santos FC, where he followed in the footsteps of Brazilian legends like Pelé and Neymar. His exceptional dribbling, vision, and finishing ability earned him a €45 million move to Real Madrid in 2019 at just 18 years old.

Since then, he has grown into one of Real Madrid’s most reliable attacking weapons. His hat-trick against Galatasaray in the 2019 Champions League showcased his potential, and he continued to shine in high-stakes matches. Forming a deadly partnership with Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo played a crucial role in Madrid’s recent successes, including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.

Having battled some of the toughest soccer defenders in the game, Rodrygo’s ability to adapt and thrive against top-tier opposition has been a testament to his growth. As Real Madrid looks to the future, the young Brazilian remains a key figure in the club’s ongoing pursuit of greatness.

It’s no secret that many of the world’s most promising talentsoften emerge from this region, which is why every competition that takes place there always hogs the spotlight in the soccer community. Moreover, the oldest national team tournament is always an eagerly expected eventon the calendar.

With the upcoming edition ofCopa America, here we will bring you an insight on the most expensive players from each national teamaccording to their market value. The figures were provided by TransferMarkt, and this is how the ranking stands.

10. ErwinSaavedra(Bolivia)

Market value: $1.21 million

Bolivar‘s right midfield has the highest market value in the Bolivian national team, and it is no surprise. The 25-year-oldhas alreadyamassed 14 goals and 11 assists in 72 appearances with thelocal giants, and has also earned 18 caps with the national team. However, he was unable to score with La Verde yet. Will he achieve it in this tournament?

9. GuillermoMaripan(Chile)

Market value: $13.20 million

La Roja‘s center-back has had an amazing growth over the last years and quickly settled himself in AS Monaco‘sdefense. After jumping to European soccer from Universidad Católica, it didn’t take long for him toimpressin Deportivo Alavés. Once in the Ligue One, Guillermo Maripánrestored theMonegasques’ confidencewith brilliant performances. Asides from being solid at the back, he has alsobeen on targetseveral times.

8. PervisEstupiñan(Ecuador)

Market value: $13.20 million

Ecuador‘s excitingleft-backhas fought hardto earn a place in one of Europe’s top five leagues after several loan moves from Watford. His spell in Osasunacalled Villarreal‘sattention, as theypaid around $18 million for him ahead of the 2020/21 season. Estupiñáncouldn’t strengthen himself in the starting lineup, though, but he still has 23 years of ageand a bright future ahead of him, which explains his high market value.

7. JosefMartínez (Venezuela)

Market value: $15.40 million

La Vinotinto’s prolific striker became one of the faces of the MLS due to his impressive goalscoring record with Atlanta United. Martínez, 28, was one of the main reasons for The Five Stripes’ supremacyover the past few seasons. He fired them to the MLS Cup title in 2018 after recording 31 goals, earning that year’s MVP award. He already has 12 goals in 54 appearances with Venezuela‘s senior teamand he headlines its squad for the upcoming Copa America.

6 . MiguelAlmirón (Paraguay)

Market value: $17.60 million

Ever since he dazzled in his first appearances with Lanús in Argentine soccer, he was set to jump to the top level. MLS saw him grow and earn experience before making the big step to the Premier League, where he established himself in Newcastle. Despite he needed some adaptation time, Almirón lived up to the expectations and became Paraguay‘s main superstar. He already has 26 caps and two goals with La Albirroja.

5. RenatoTapia (Peru)

Market value: $22 million

Tapia, 25, who has built almost his entire professional career in Europe, quicklyturned into a key piece at the Peruvian national team’s defense. Even though he isn’t a veteran, his appearances would indicate otherwise. He already has played 53 games with Peru, mainly due to his proven experience in the Eredivisie. Celta de Vigo seized the opportunity of landing him for free and he has responded wellmost of the time.

4. DuvánZapata (Colombia)

Market value: $41.80 million

The 30-year-old has established himself as a reliable goalscorer in the Italian top flightand has endured seven years in that league so far. Duván Zapata earned a place in a great Atalanta lineup that played Champions League soccer and did well in the Serie A. It’s no surprise to see such a market value for him, as he netted 15 goalsin 37 league appearances last season.

3. Federico Valverde (Uruguay)

Market value: $77 million

The Uruguayan sensation quickly made himself a name in an enormous club like it is Real Madrid. Things are just getting started, though, for the 22-year-old, who asides from becoming a useful asset in Los Blancos has turned into a crucial name for Oscar Washington Tabarez in La Celeste. He is definitely one of thetalents to watch, even though he is already well-known in the soccer world.

2. LionelMessi(Argentina)

Market value: $88 million

If it wasn’t because of his 33 years of age (that will become 34 on June 24th), he wouldbe probably leading the list. However, Lionel Messi is without a doubt the greatest player Argentina have despite theydo not lack in big names at all. When players reach his age, their performances often get worse and start heading into retirement. But in his case, it seems unpredictable when that will happen, as he keeps on breaking records and shining at the top level regardless of time. The upcoming Copa America will have once again one of the greatestof all time, and soccer fans are eager to watch himin actiononce again.

1. Neymar(Brazil)

Market value: $121 million

Needless to say, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar has been one of the world’s most fascinating players ever since he rose to stardom with Barcelona in 2014 afterbecoming a promising youth talent in Santos. Themost expensive player in history – PSG paid over $270 million to Barca in 2017 – Neymar has given multiple reasons to hold the highest market valuein the continent, and he is Brazil’s main weapon to chase a back-to-back Copa America title.