The recalled Fernandinho played the full 90 minutes and assisted one of the hosts’ goals, while Gabriel Jesus was a 65th-minute substitute.
Ederson was an unused sub.
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Brazil needed to get off to a positive start and with Neymar injured, Roberto Firmino started up front with Jesus on the bench.
With the stadium only three quarters full at just over 46,000, the Seleção were booed off after a lacklustre goalless first period.
But things improved after the break and Brazil broke the deadlock just five minutes after the restart through Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho who converted from the penalty spot.
And Coutinho doubled the lead just three minutes later as he headed home Firmino’s cross from close range.
Jesus replaced Firmino on 65 and looked lively and fresh, but the third goal was scored by fellow sub Everton five minutes from time with Fernandinho supplying the assist.
Argentina begin their quest to win the Copa America tonight with Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi hoping to start against Colombia.
