One of the most popular South American football Events – Copa America 2021 has already started with defending champions Brazil and fourteen times winner Argentina tops the table in the respective groups. So, let us look at the best five candidates to win the Golden Boot in Copa America 2021.
1. Neymar – Brazil
Brazil won Copa America 2019 without their best player Neymar. One of the best players in the game, widely known for his skills and finishing. Neymar had a disappointing season with PSG, who finished second in Ligue 1 and were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by Manchester City. However, he scored 17 goals and 11 assists in just 31 appearances this campaign, the 29-year-old looks in phenomenal touch and high on confidence going into Copa America.
2. Luis Suarez – Uruguay
Suarez, one of the greatest strikers to have ever played the game. The 34-year old has a phenomenal campaign with Athletico Madrid. And will be roaring to go from the first match itself in Copa America 2021. Suarez scored 21 goals in 38 appearances this season by winning the Spanish top flight with Atletico Madrid after his exit from Barcelona. The last time Uruguay won Copa America ten years ago, Suarez played a very important role and now he will like to end his career with one more trophy.
3. Lionel Messi – Argentina
One of the greatest players ever to play the game. The Argentine star will look to break his trophy curse once again this season. Messi coming in with a good run in the 2020-21 season, scoring 30 goals in 33 appearances with nine assists. The 34-year old has lost three Copa America finals till now (2007, 2015, 2016). Messi will look to finish this campaign on a high note by winning the first title in the competition in almost three decades.
4. Eduardo Vargas – Chile
Vargas was the top scorer in Chile’s title-winning 2015 and 2016 Copa América campaigns. He also won two successive Golden Boots in 2015 and 2016. And he was one of the main reasons behind Chile’s back-to-back title wins. Vargas is the second-highest scorer among active players in Copa America history with 12 goals, with Paulo Guerrero (14) is on the top of the list. He is also the second-highest scoring Chilean of all-time with 38, only behind Alexis Sanchez (43). Vargas coming in with a flying form and will look to replicate his 2015 and 2016 heroics at the Copa America 2021.
5. Edinson Cavani – Uruguay
El Matador was in dream form in the Premier League this season with Manchester United. The 34-year-old gave match-winning performances in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals of the UEFA Europa League for the Red Devils. Cavani scored 17 goals in just 39 appearances for the Man Utd in this campaign. He also became only the third Manchester United player to reach ten or more Premier League goals aged 33 or older in a single season. Cavani will be looking to add one more feather under his belt before he hangs up his international boots.