In 2021, Argentina finally broke their long drought to clinch a Copa America title, with Lionel Messi lifting the trophy as captain in Rio de Janeiro. This victory marked a significant milestone for Messi, who had faced years of frustration and heartbreak in previous finals. The triumph was a dream come true, as the former Barcelona superstar finally secured a major international title with La Albiceleste.
However, Argentina's success in the 2021 Copa America has been somewhat overshadowed by their extraordinary performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they marched to glory. Despite this, Argentina remains one of the favorites to win the Copa America once again in the United States in 2024.
Historical Record at Copa America
Argentina has a rich history in the Copa America, and their achievements in the tournament are nothing short of impressive. Let's take a closer look at Argentina's historical record, including titles won, games played, and player records.
Copa America Titles
Argentina shares the record for the most Copa America titles with their rivals Uruguay, with both nations having won the tournament 15 times. Here's a breakdown of the Copa America title winners:
- Argentina (15 titles): 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021
- Uruguay (15 titles): 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2011
- Brazil (9 titles): 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007, 2019
- Chile (2 titles): 2015, 2016
- Paraguay (2 titles): 1953, 1979
- Peru (2 titles): 1939, 1975
- Bolivia (1 title): 1963
- Colombia (1 title): 2001
Qualification for Copa America 2024
For the 2024 Copa America, all 10 members of CONMEBOL automatically qualified, with Argentina entering the tournament as the reigning champions. They will be joined by six CONCACAF nations to complete the final lineup of 16 teams.
Argentina's Performance in Copa America
Argentina's record in the Copa America is stellar. They have participated in all 47 editions of the tournament, though they opted to withdraw in 1939, 1949, 1953, and 2001. Here’s a snapshot of their performance:
- Games Played: 205
- Wins: 130
- Draws: 42 (including games decided by penalty shootouts)
- Losses: 33
- Goals For: 49
- Goals Against: 182
Top Performers for Argentina in Copa America
When it comes to individual performances, Lionel Messi stands out as Argentina's leading appearance maker in the Copa America. As he gears up for more records in 2024, let's highlight some key statistics.
Most Appearances
Messi surpassed Chile's Sergio Livingstone to become the player with the most appearances in the Copa America, with 36 games played across seven tournaments. Here's a list of top appearance makers for Argentina:
- Lionel Messi: 36 matches, 7 tournaments
- Javier Mascherano: 26 matches, 5 tournaments
- Sergio Aguero: 24 matches, 5 tournaments
- Angel Di Maria: 26 matches, 6 tournaments
- Javier Zanetti: 22 matches, 5 tournaments
- Nicolas Otamendi: 24 matches, 5 tournaments
Most Goals
In terms of goals, Messi is tied with Gabriel Batistuta and Juan Manuel Moreno, each scoring 13 goals. However, Norberto Mendez holds the record for the most goals scored by an Argentine in the Copa America, with 17 goals. Here's a look at the top goal scorers:
- Norberto Mendez: 17 goals
- Lionel Messi: 13 goals
- Gabriel Batistuta: 13 goals
- Jose Manuel Moreno: 13 goals
- Herminio Maschio: 11 goals
- Angel Labruna: 10 goals
Highlights and Exciting Elements
- Historic Wins: Argentina's victory in the 2021 Copa America ended a 28-year wait for an international trophy. This win was particularly special for Lionel Messi, who had been longing for an international title with his national team.
- Rivalry with Uruguay: Argentina and Uruguay's rivalry in the Copa America is intense, with both nations holding 15 titles each. This rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to every tournament.
- Messi's Record-Breaking Journey: Messi's journey in the Copa America is filled with memorable moments. From his record-breaking appearances to his goal-scoring feats, Messi continues to be a pivotal player for Argentina.
- Anticipation for 2024: With the next Copa America set to take place in the United States in 2024, there's immense anticipation and excitement among fans. Argentina's strong performance in recent tournaments makes them one of the favorites to lift the trophy once again.
Conclusion
Argentina's history in the Copa America is rich with achievements and memorable moments. From their numerous titles to the individual brilliance of players like Messi, Argentina has cemented its place as one of the most successful nations in the tournament's history. As they prepare for the 2024 Copa America, fans around the world are eager to see if La Albiceleste can add another chapter to their illustrious legacy.
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