World Leaders Meet in a Mexico Now Giving Brazil a Run for Its Money.

MEXICO CITY -- Mexicans looked on with envy in recent years as Brazilians won a reputation as Latin America's chosen people. With a surging economy and a prominent place on the world stage, Brazil was the country poised for greatness while Mexico remained mired in bloodshed and destitution. But just as momentum can change suddenly in a match at the World Cup or an event at the Olympics -- both competitions that Brazil will host in the next four years -- so can the dynamics between nations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]