Ranking the 5 best strikers in Copa America 2024
Teams like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay are set to take this year's Copa America by storm, with all three sides widely expected to go far in the competition. Argentina won the last edition of the tournament, with Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria leading them to the coveted trophy.
It began a run of tournament form that also saw them enter the World Cup in 2022 as strong contenders and eventually beat France in the final to lift the trophy. This time, though, they have the opportunity to defend their title in the Americas.
While the focus might be on their captain Lionel Messi, Argentina's strikers know they have a part to play if La Albiceleste are going to make the final again. However, the focus won't be on them alone. A powerful strike force from any team could provide the poacher luck required to get through each stage and reach the final.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best strikers in Copa America 2024.
#5 Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez needs no introduction after his exploits across Europe throughout his career. The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker had the world at his feet back in the day. He might have passed his prime now, but that does not take away his ability to score goals.
With Inter Miami this season, the Uruguay legend has 17 goal contributions in 16 league games. For La Celeste, he has an impressive 107 goal contributions in merely 138 caps, and he looks set to add to this. He might not start a lot of games, but his leadership and poaching eye make him a powerful threat for his country's hopes this Copa America.
#4 Santiago Gimenez
The 23-year-old striker has enjoyed a brilliant season with his club Feyenoord, where his goalscoring exploits have landed him a spot in the Mexico national team. He ended the campaign with 26 goals across all competitions, so it was no surprise to see his name in the final El Tri squad.
Gimenez hasn't played many games since making his debut for Mexico in 2021, racking up 27 caps. In recent times, he has become a more regular part of the squad, playing in every match and scoring twice as they won the Gold Cup in 2023.
#3 Lautaro Martinez
With his 25 goals in 59 caps for Argentina and 27 goals in 44 games for Inter Milan this past season, Lautaro Martinez should easily sit nearer the top of this Copa America list. However, his recent poor goalscoring form for La Albiceleste cannot be ignored.
He notably failed to provide a goal or assist in their run to the 2022 World Cup trophy. He also failed to get any direct goal contributions in their World Cup qualification games. However, Martinez managed three goals in six games during Copa America 2021 and will hope to return to that form.
#2 Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez has been the go-to option for Argentina, thanks to his brilliant run of form with the national team. His club form saw him enjoy a strong season, with 32 goal contributions in 54 games for Manchester City. However, with La Albiceleste, the 24-year-old striker shines even brighter.
While Lautaro Martinez struggled to impact the game in the final third during the 2022 World Cup, Alvarez had no such issues. The striker impressed with four goals and assist in the tournament, with two goals coming against Croatia in the semi-finals. If he can continue this brilliance in Copa America 2024, Argentina fans will be in for a treat.
#1 Darwin Nunez
Surprised to see Darwin Nunez here? Don't be. Every fan of English Premier League football has spent the last season debating his penchant for missing easy chances. However, the chaotic 24-year-old has the ability to change games for Uruguay.
He scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists in 54 games for Liverpool last season, and even though these numbers are pretty good, Nunez can do even better. He has already found form with La Celeste, scoring an astonishing eight goals in his last five caps for them. These goals were against teams like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, and if Nunez can pack such a punch in Copa America 2024, he will be unstoppable.