The 2021 edition of the Copa America is underway, and Brazil, Peru, Argentina and Colombia are the four semi-finalists vying for the top prize.
READ MORE: Micky Charles quits football after GFA ban on Phar Rangers
Argentina’s Lionel Messi has been the standout performer in the competition with four goals and has also provided as many assists. Interestingly, it must be mentioned that Messi has never won the Golden Boot award at Copa America.
Messi needs four more goals to equal Norbeto Mendez (Agrentina) and Zizinho (Brazil)’s tally of 17 goals each, who are the all-time top scorers at Copa America.
He started the 2021 edition of the tournament in style with a gem of a free-kick against Chile before adding a couple against Bolivia in their last group game. In the quarterfinal against Ecuador, Messi was in sublime form as he provided two assists and scored at the death from a free-kick.
Which players in the race for the Copa America Golden Boot?
READ MORE: Attack on Referee at Sunyani not security failure – ASP Patrick Kodjoe
Messi is the only player with four goals to his name. There are 10 players who have scored twice in this competition however, only five are still in contention with their teams being in the semis.
| PLAYER | TEAM | GOALS |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 4 |
| Papu Gomez | Argentina | 2 |
| Lautaro Martinez | Argentina | 2 |
| Andre Carillo | Peru | 2 |
| Gianluca Lapadula | Peru | 2 |
| Neymar | Brazil | 2 |
The other players who have scored two goals are: Erwin Saavedra (Bolivia), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay) Ángel Romero (Paraguay), Ayrton Preciado (Ecuador) and Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
