Most Goals In Copa America

Copa America is the World’s oldest football competition which decides the champion of South America every four years. It was founded in 1916 fourteen years before the Fifa World Cup. The first installment was hosted by Argentina and only four teams Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina participated in the event. Uruguay lifted the trophy in the first season by beating the hosts in the final. On the other hand, Argentina won the last edition after scoring 1-0 in the finals against Brazil. The 2024 Copa America will be held in the United States of America. Uruguay and Argentina are the joint most winners of the marquee event with 15 titles each. Brazil has 9 trophies in their name while Peru, Paraguay, and Chile have clinched the trophy twice. Bolivia and Colombia have lifted the trophy once. Behind all these mentioned triumphs, some brilliant players of each country scored goals for their nation to win games. Legends like Lionel Messi, Norberto Mendez, Ronaldo Nazario, Maradona, etc have been a part of Copa America which makes the tournament of the highest level. In this article, we will talk about the players with the most goals in Copa America.

Norberto Mendez (17)

Former Argentine mid-fielder Norberto Mendez tops the chart of most goals in Copa America. He scored 17 goals in the event’s history and helped Argentina to win three consecutive titles from 1945-1947. In the 1945 edition in Chile, Norberto bagged the Golden Boot award for netting 6 goals.

Zizinho (17)

Zizinho Da Silva an attacking mid-fielder from Brazil joins Mendez on the top of most goals in Copa America list. The ace footballer scored 17 goals and was a part of the Brazilian squad which won the 1949 installment. For his heroics in the 1950 Fifa World Cup, he clinched the Golden Ball.

Lolo Fernandez (15)

Ex-striker Lolo Fernandez is the highest goal scorer for Peru and made thrid most goals in Copa America with 15 goals. He spearheaded Peru to their maiden Copa America title with 7 goals and for his stunning display of complete football which included dribbling, shooting, and assists, Fernandez was given the Golden Boot award.

Severino Varela (15)

The top score for Uruguay in Copa America history comes in 4th position on the elite list of most goals in Copa America. The magical striker notched up 15 goals after taking part in the multiple editions. His ability to control the ball was unparalleled and he aggressively attacked as a striker. Despite giving his all in the competition, he could not win the Golden Boot once in his life. However, Uruguay won their 8th title in 1942 and he was a part of that squad.

Argentine legend Lionel Messi has scored 13 goals in 34 games across six editions.

List of Most Goals in Copa America

1. Norberto Mendez (ARG)- 17 goals
2. Zizinho (BRA)- 17 goals
3. Lolo Fernandez (PER)- 15 goals
4. Severino Verala (URU)- 15 goals
5. Eduardo Vargas (CHL)- 14 goals
6. Paolo Guerrero (PER)- 14 goals
7. Ademir (BRA)- 13 goals
8. Gabriel Batistuta (ARG)- 13 goals
9. Jair (BRA)- 13 goals
10. Lionel Messi (ARG)- 13 goals