The names of some players in this feature are unexpected whereas the expected names are nowhere to be found
Apart from the FIFA World Cup, the Euro Cup and the Copa America tournaments are the two most renowned international football tournaments with thousands of records. It is not possible to write about all the records in a single article and therefore, our focus in the article is on the all-time top scorers of the Copa America tournament. Much may think that Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr’s names are likely to appear in the following paragraphs. Sadly, they do not stand in the top 10. In fact, the names of some players in this feature are unexpected whereas the expected names are nowhere to be found. So, who are the all-time top scorers of Copa America? Scroll down to know about them.
Norberto Mendez- Modern-day fans may not have heard his name but Mendez was a legend of the Argentine team. Indeed, he was not as good as Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, but Copa America was his tournament because his performance in the tournament was more than phenomenal. Mendez guided the Argentine team to three Copa America trophies in his long career. He ended his career with 17 Copa America goals; a record that is still untouched in 2021.
Zizinho- If Argentina was blessed by Mendez, Brazil was blessed by the presence of Zizinho. Brazil has had many stars such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Pele but none of them could reach 15 goals in Copa America. However, Zizinho did the impossible and netted 17 goals in the tournament history. The charismatic player was also the recipient of the Golden Ball award in the 1950 FIFA World Cup.
Lolo Fernandez- The third place is secured by Peru’s Lolo Fernandez. With 15 goals, Fernandez is Peru’s top Copa America goal scorer. However, there is a chance of Guerrero breaking the record in the ongoing edition of Copa America 2021. Fernandez was considered a phenomenal forward in the 1930s and 40s. He not only guided the team of Peru to win the Copa America in 1939 but also clinched himself the Golden Ball and Boot awards.
Severino Varela- The Uruguayan player was a terrific goal scorer for his country Uruguay. In the early 20th century, he was a pivotal part of the dominant Uruguay football team. In 1942, his prolific goal-scoring abilities helped Uruguay win the Copa America tournament. Just like Lolo Fernandez, Varela retired with 15 Copa America goals.
