Who is the top scorer of all time in the Copa América?

The Copa América, the oldest continental national team tournament in the world, has a rich history that dates to its first realization back in 1916, known back then as Campeonato Sudamericano. That first edition was held in Argentina, with the hosts, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil taking part. Uruguay triumphed in the round robin tournament, with their legend Isabelino Gradín top scoring with three goals from three matches.

The tournament has already been the stage for countless memorable moments, etching its name in the hearts of soccer fans worldwide and serving as the ultimate platform for South American players, and now those from the qualified Concacaf nations, to make history.

The greatest goal scorers in Copa América history

And with a prestigious tournament come legendary goal scorers who have played a fundamental role in their national teams efforts to lift the coveted trophy. Some of these are historic figures from the golden age of soccer, while in this 2024 edition of the tournament there is a of anticipation as Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of our time or maybe all time, is on the verge of breaking the record for the top goal scorer in the Copa América.

So who is currently number one scorer in the history of the Copa América and what does Lionel Messi need to do to claim the crown?

Norberto Méndez (Argentina): 17 goals

Known as “Tucho”, Norberto Méndez played in the extinct position of “entreala derecho” (between the right winger and the striker). He was one of the symbols of Argentinian soccer during the 40s, playing in clubs like Huracán, Racing Club, and Tigre. Characterized by his ability on the ball and dribbling skills, “Tucho” commanded the Argentinian national team to win the 1945 (five goals), 1946 (six goals), and 1947 (six goals) Copa América. He was the tournament’s top scorer in two of the three editions.

Zizinho (Brazil): 17 goals

Sharing first place with Tucho Méndez, Thomaz Soares da Silva, also known as Zizinho, is considered one of the best players in Brazilian history. Before Pele’s eruption onto the scene, “Maestro Ziza” was Brazil’s greatest national idol. He played most of his career in Flamengo, between 1939 and 1950, and scored 145 goals with the “Mengãos.” In the Copa América, Zizinho participated six times, scored 17 goals in 34 games and was instrumental in Brazil’s 1949 title path.

Severino Varela (Uruguay): 15 goals

The Uruguayan forward, born in 1913, is one of Argentina’s Boca Juniors’ greatest heroes and a key player in their 1943 and 1944 league titles. Distinguished by his white beret, he played in the 1937, 1939, and 1942 Copa América editions with Uruguay, scoring five goals in each, and winning the 1942 tournament, though it was Bibiano Zapirain who got the goal that clinched the title in the 1-0 win in the final game against Argentina.

Teodoro Fernández (Peru): 15 goals

Also known as Lolo Fernandéz, the Peruvian forward is a one-club-man. He scored 161 goals with Universitario and is considered the best player in the club’s history. Lolo played for his country in seven editions of the Copa América, scoring 15 goals. He was a crucial player in Peru’s title run in 1939, where he scored seven goals and finished as the top scorer.

Paolo Guerrero (Peru) and Eduardo Vargas (Chile): 14 goals

Two current Chilean and Peruvian soccer stars are tied in the same position with 14 goals. Eduardo Vargas led Chile to a historic back-to-back Copa América title in 2015 (4) and 2016 (6), ending as the top scorer.

40-year-old Paolo Guerrero stands out for claiming three Copa América top scorer spots: 2011 (five), 2015 (four and tied with Vargas), and 2019 (three). However, both strikers lost the chance to reach the top three after Chile and Peru were knocked out in the group stage and failed to score a single goal during this 2024 edition.

Where is Lionel Messi in the top scorers of all time at the Copa América?

The current winner of the Ballon d’Or came into this latest edition of the tournament with the dream of reaching Méndez and Zizinho as the all-time top scorers of the Copa América. The Inter Miami forward became the first Argentinian player in history to participate in seven Copas América (2007, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024). What’s more, he won the 2021 edition after beating Brazil 1-0 in the final, and was the top scorer with 4 goals, along with the Colombian winger Luis Díaz.

In total, Messi has scored 13 goals in 36 Copa América matches at the date of publication. Argentina face Ecuador in the quarterfinals, however Messi’s participation is doubtful due to a muscle injury he suffered in the match against Chile, though the latest news is somewhat more positive.

Who is the 2024 Copa América top goal scorer so far?

There is still a long way to go before this edition of the Copa América ends, but at the time of publication, Lautaro Martínez, Inter Milan’s captain, is the top scorer with 4 goals.

The striker has scored in each of the group stages matches: Against Canada, he made it 2-0 after a great pass from Messi; he gave Argentina the victory against Chile in the dying minutes of the match; and scored the first goal against Peru with a wonderful chip shot. That takes him to nine Copa América goals in total, having scored two in 2019 and three in the title-winning run in 2021. With the uncertainty about Messi’s participation, Martínez could represent Argentina’s best weapon in attack. He’s currently on nine Copa América goals in total, but for him to become the highest scorer of all time in this edition he’d need nine goals in just three games…