The 8 All-Time Leading Scorers in Copa America History

Roberto Porta played a pivotal role in Uruguay's triumph during the 1942 Copa America, scoring five goals and aiding his team's journey to the final, where they clinched a 1-0 victory over Argentina, securing their eighth title in the competition's history. With 34 appearances for Uruguay, Porta amassed a total of 14 goals. Before debuting with Uruguay in 1937, Porta had a single appearance for Italy in 1935 and was part of the Italian squad that claimed victory in the Central European International Cup.

Porta's goal tally ranks him 13th on Uruguay's all-time leading goal scorers list. Following his playing career, Porta transitioned into management and took charge of the Uruguay side ahead of the 1974 World Cup. However, his tenure proved unremarkable, as Uruguay failed to progress beyond the group stages of the tournament. This marked Porta's sole stint as a manager.

4. Lionel Messi, Argentina

Goals Scored - 13

Lionel Messi had a remarkable year for Argentina, achieving the long-awaited triumph of lifting the Copa America trophy in 2021 and following it up with a World Cup victory in 2022. As the Argentina captain, Messi shares the record for all-time appearances in the Copa America with Chile's Sergio Livingstone, both having appeared 34 times for their respective countries. Messi's win in the 2021 Copa America marked his sixth appearance in the competition, and he stands just five goals away from becoming its all-time leading goalscorer. With the 2024 tournament potentially his last, it would come as no surprise if Messi breaks this record.

In the 2021 tournament, Messi finished as the joint-top scorer alongside Colombia's Luis Diaz, with four goals to his name. Furthermore, he was awarded the tournament's best player alongside Brazil's Neymar Junior. Messi's stellar performances played a pivotal role in Argentina clinching their 15th Copa America title.

3. Eduardo Vargas, Chile

Goals Scored - 14

Eduardo Vargas played a pivotal role in Chile's back-to-back Copa America triumphs in 2015 and 2016. Ending both tournaments as the top scorer, Vargas showcased his goal-scoring prowess and was a key figure in Chile's success. In 2015, he finished the Copa America with four goals, tying with Peru's Paolo Guerrero as the top scorer and contributing significantly to Chile's first-ever Copa America title.

A year later, Vargas continued his stellar form, aiding Chile in securing their second consecutive Copa America trophy. With six goals to his name, Vargas played a crucial role in Chile's journey to the final, where they defeated Argentina 4-2 on penalties. Notably, four of Vargas' eight goals came in the quarter-finals against Mexico, contributing to Chile's emphatic 7-0 victory.

2. Lolo Fernandez, Peru

Goals Scored - 15

Teodoro "Lolo" Fernandez left an indelible mark on the Copa America in 1939, leading Peru to victory in a tournament where he emerged as both the standout player and the top goalscorer, netting an impressive seven goals. During that era, the competition followed a league format, with teams facing each other once. Peru secured the title by topping the table with eight points, winning all four of their matches. The participating nations included Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, and Ecuador.

Fernandez's legacy extends beyond his international exploits. He holds the third position on Peru's all-time goalscorer list, having scored 21 goals in 26 appearances, trailing only Jefferson Farfan and Paolo Guerrero. Remarkably, Fernandez spent his entire club career at Peruvian First Division side, Universitario de Deportes, where he amassed an impressive tally of 156 goals in just 180 appearances.

1. Zizinho & Norberto Mendez, Brazil/Argentina

Goals Scored - 17

The top position is shared by two remarkable players. Firstly, Zizinho of Brazil clinched the Copa America title in 1949, marking Brazil's third triumph in the tournament. The prolific striker netted five goals during the competition and formed a formidable partnership with Jair, who impressively scored nine goals. Across 53 appearances for Brazil, Zizinho found the back of the net 30 times, placing him twelfth on Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer list, ahead of illustrious names like Kaka, Roberto Rivelino, and Robinho.

Zizinho dedicated his entire club career to South America, representing six clubs in total. He is revered as the first idol of Flamengo, playing a pivotal role in the club's consecutive state championship victories. Brazilian icon Pele often hailed Zizinho as the greatest player he had ever witnessed, a noteworthy compliment coming from one of the game's most decorated figures.

During his stint at Sao Paulo, Zizinho contributed significantly to the team's Campeonato Paulista triumph in 1957, registering 27 goals in 67 appearances for the club. However, it is his tenure at Flamengo that resonates most deeply with supporters, who were disheartened by the club's decision to transfer Zizinho to Bagu ahead of the 1950 World Cup.