Frank Christian
Lionel Messi, the all-time leading goal scorer for the Argentine national team, has made a significant impact in Copa America competitions with his impressive goal-scoring record. As Argentina aims for their 16th title, Messi’s prowess will be crucial for their success in 2024.
So, how many goals has Messi scored in the Copa America and against which opponents? Here’s a rundown of his achievements.
Messi’s Copa America Goal Tally
Messi has scored a total of 13 goals in the Copa America throughout his career.
His Copa America journey began with two goals in the 2007 tournament, where Argentina finished as runners-up to Brazil. He then experienced heartbreak in subsequent editions, notably missing a penalty in the 2016 final against Chile.
Despite the setbacks, Messi bounced back and displayed his scoring prowess with one goal in 2015, followed by four goals in 2021 when Argentina clinched the title. Notably, he did not score in the 2011 Copa America held in Argentina, the only edition he played at home.
Here is a summary of Messi’s Copa America performances:
| Year | Host Nation | Games Played | Goals Scored | Stage Reached | Eliminated by |
| 2007 | Venezuela | 6 | 2 | Runners Up | Brazil |
| 2011 | Argentina | 5 | 0 | Quarterfinal | Uruguay |
| 2015 | Chile | 6 | 1 | Runners Up | Chile |
| 2016 | USA | 6 | 5 | Runners Up | Chile |
| 2019 | Brazil | 5 | 1 | Semifinal | Brazil |
| 2021 | Brazil | 6 | 4 | Winners | — |
| 2024 | USA | 2 | 0 | TBD | TBD |
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Messi’s Goal Contributions in Copa America Matches
| Tournament | Opponent | Stage | Result | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Peru | Quarterfinals | 4-0 | 1 |
| 2007 | Mexico | Semifinals | 3-0 | 1 |
| 2015 | Paraguay | Group Stage | 2-2 | 1 |
| 2016 | Panama | Group Stage | 5-0 | 3 |
| 2016 | Venezuela | Quarterfinals | 4-1 | 1 |
| 2016 | USA | Semifinals | 4-0 | 1 |
| 2019 | Paraguay | Group Stage | 1-1 | 1 |
| 2021 | Chile | Group Stage | 1-1 | 1 |
| 2021 | Bolivia | Group Stage | 4-1 | 2 |
| 2021 | Ecuador | Quarterfinals | 3-0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 13 |
