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As Argentina’s maestro prepares to lead his nation once more in the pursuit of South American glory, his status as the tournament’s greatest playmaker is unquestionable.
Messi’s assist record in the Copa America is staggering.
With 17 assists to his name, he has set a benchmark that far outstrips any other player in the competition’s history, with his tally placing him 11 assists ahead of his nearest challengers.
Messi’s ability to create scoring opportunities has been pivotal for Argentina, earning him the Copa America Best Player awards in both 2015 and 2021.
Close behind Messi are players like Alexis Sanchez, Juan Arango, Angel di Maria, and Carlos Tevez, each with six assists. Sanchez has been a vital figure for Chile, playing a crucial role in their back-to-back Copa America victories in 2015 and 2016. His ability to deliver in key moments has cemented his place in Chilean football history.
Arango, representing Venezuela, showcased his talents across six tournaments, with his closest brush with glory coming in 2011 when Venezuela reached the semi-finals.
Angel Di Maria, known for his clutch performances, has also been instrumental for Argentina, contributing significantly in both the Copa America and World Cup finals. He is set to retire from international duty after this summer’s tournament, hoping to add to his assist tally in his final international outing.
Tevez, despite reaching the Copa America final three times, never secured the title. Nonetheless, his playmaking skills provided several memorable moments for Argentina.
Other notable contributors include Paolo Guerrero of Peru, who, at 40 years old, continues to be a formidable presence in the competition. Guerrero has won the Golden Boot three times, highlighting his knack for both scoring and creating goals. Charles Aranguiz of Chile, with five assists, has also made a significant impact over four tournaments, even though he is not part of the squad this year.
Brazilian stars Dani Alves and Neymar have each provided four assists in the Copa America. Alves’s attacking prowess from the right-back position was crucial in Brazil’s victories in 2007 and 2019, while Neymar’s creativity was evident in Brazil’s run to the 2021 final.
However, Neymar will miss this year’s tournament due to injury, a situation reminiscent of 2019 when Brazil clinched the title in his absence.
Roberto Carlos, regarded as one of the greatest left-backs, contributed three assists, helping Brazil secure two Copa America titles. Arturo Vidal, another influential figure, has been key to Chile’s recent successes and continues to be a pivotal player at the age of 37.
As Messi prepares to don the Argentine jersey once more, his legacy as the greatest playmaker in Copa America history is firmly established.
His 17 assists not only highlight his extraordinary talent but also set a standard for future generations. This summer, Messi has the chance to further cement his status as he leads Argentina in their quest to retain the Copa America title.
