Copa America top goal scorers all time: Messi’s nightmares and legendary predecessors included

The 2024 Copa America concluded with a script of mixed emotions for Lionel Messi. Collectively, the 38-year-old superstar achieved ultimate glory as Argentina successfully defended their crown after a nerve-wracking final against a resilient Colombia side in Florida. 

However, on a personal level, the tournament left a bitter taste. Messi ended the final in tears, forced off the pitch by a severe ankle injury that highlighted the heavy toll time has taken on his legendary career. Despite appearing in 5 matches, the Inter Miami talisman managed only a single goal. This uncharacteristically quiet performance meant he missed a golden opportunity to shatter long-standing individual records. 

Nevertheless, that solitary strike on American soil was just enough to ensure Messi’s presence in the elite list of Copa America top goal scorers all time presented by Nowgoalmobi below.

Discovering the Copa America top goal scorers all time

10. Jair da Rosa Pinto

At the tenth spot is Jair da Rosa Pinto, a Brazilian maestro of the 1940s and 50s. Over 18 appearances across several editions, most notably his 1949 masterpiece, Jair netted 13 goals. In that 1949 campaign, he was unstoppable, scoring 9 times in just a handful of games to lead Brazil to the title. 

Having debuted for the Selecao in 1940, Jair eventually retired from professional football in 1963 at the age of 42. He passed away in 2005, leaving a legacy as one of Brazil's most selfless yet clinical attackers.

9. Ademir de Menezes

Sharing the tally of 13 goals is Ademir de Menezes, another Brazilian titan. Ademir participated in the 1945, 1946, 1949, and 1953 editions, totaling 13 goals in 18 matches. His crowning moment came in 1949, where his partnership with Jair decimated defenses and secured the trophy. 

Ademir made his international debut in 1945 and was a focal point of the team that reached the 1950 World Cup final. Beyond the Copa, he was a prolific scorer in domestic leagues for Vasco da Gama. Ademir retired in 1956 and lived a quiet life until his passing in 1996, forever remembered as the "Jaw" of Brazilian football.

8. Gabriel Batistuta

Argentina’s Gabriel Batistuta also sits firmly with 13 goals. "Batigol" was the definition of a powerhouse striker during the 1990s. He featured in 3 tournaments, most notably the 1991 and 1993 editions where Argentina won back-to-back titles. In 1991, he was the tournament's top scorer with 6 goals. 

Batistuta debuted for Argentina in a 1991 friendly and went on to score 56 goals in 78 caps, appearing in three World Cups. Currently retired since 2005, Batistuta enjoys life as a rancher and occasional commentator.

7. Lionel Messi 

Moving to 14 goals, we find Messi. The Argentine captain has participated in a record-breaking seven editions (2007, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024). His most successful individual run was in 2021, where his 4 goals and 5 assists finally ended Argentina's 28-year trophy drought. 

Across 38 matches, the most by any player, Messi has scored 14 times. Since his debut in 2005 against Hungary, he has amassed over 100 international goals and secured the 2022 World Cup. 

6. Paolo Guerrero 

Peru’s Paolo Guerrero stands equal with Messi at 14 goals. A true warrior of the Andes, Guerrero participated in five tournaments, finishing as the top scorer in 2011, 2015, and 2019. His 14 goals in 26 matches helped Peru reach the 2019 final. Despite being 40, Guerrero is still active, currently playing for Alianza Lima in his homeland. 

5. Eduardo Vargas

Similarly, Chile’s Eduardo Vargas has 14 goals in 24 matches. Vargas was the catalyst for Chile’s historic 2015 and 2016 titles, winning the Golden Boot in both. Vargas also stands as a living witness to Chile’s back-to-back triumphs over Argentina in the Copa America finals. The 2016 heartbreak, in particular, exerted such crushing pressure on 'El Pulga' that he was driven to announce a shock retirement from international football, a decision he would only reverse a short time later.

Still playing professionally for Atlético Mineiro, Vargas remains a nightmare for South American defenders. 

4. Teodoro Fernández 

Entering the top four, Teodoro Fernández of Peru remains a mythical figure with 15 goals. "Lolo" played in six editions between 1935 and 1947. His finest hour was in 1939, when his seven goals secured Peru’s first-ever title. He spent his entire career at Universitario and passed away in 1996 as a national treasure. 

3. Severino Varela

Matching him is Uruguay’s Severino Varela, who scored 15 goals in just 15 matches between 1937 and 1942. His perfect "goal-per-game" ratio helped Uruguay win the 1942 title. Varela was famous for wearing a white beret while playing, a signature style he maintained until his retirement in the late 1940s.

2. Zizinho

At the pinnacle, we find a tie at 17 goals. Brazil’s Zizinho competed in 6 editions from 1942 to 1957, scoring 17 times in 34 games. He was a cornerstone of the 1949 championship team. Zizinho, who inspired Pele, retired in 1962 and passed away in 2002. 

1. Norberto Méndez

Now, the all-time leader is Norberto Méndez of Argentina. "Tucho" achieved his 17 goals in 33 matches, remarkably winning three consecutive titles from 1945 to 1947. He was the top scorer in 1945 with six goals. Méndez retired in 1958 and lived until 1998, holding a record that has stood for nearly 8 decades.

Top 10 Copa America goal scorers of all time:

Norberto Méndez (Argentina) – 17 goals

Zizinho (Brazil) – 17 goals

Severino Varela (Uruguay) – 15 goals

Teodoro Fernández (Peru) – 15 goals

Eduardo Vargas (Chile) – 14 goals

Paolo Guerrero (Peru) – 14 goals

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 14 goals

Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina) – 13 goals

Ademir de Menezes (Brazil) – 13 goals

Jair da Rosa Pinto (Brazil) – 13 goals

While Messi is often celebrated as the greatest player in football history, it does not mean he can dominate every statistical category in every tournament. South America is a continent that never lacks attacking talent, and the ranking of Copa America top goal scorers all time by Nowgoalmobi.net proves that the legends of the past set a bar so high that even the "GOAT" struggles to reach it.

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