The Copa America is arguably one of the most popular international football tournaments after the FIFA World Cup and Euros.
The Copa America competition was established by the South American Football Confederation, also known as CONMEBOL.
It is a tournament meant for South American countries that are members of the football governing body and invited nations from other football confederations.
The tournament has witnessed many great matches and also showcased the numerous amazing talents of South American football. The Copa America final is also one of the most watched football matches.
As the 2024 Copa America is set to light up the world with exciting football and displays, so today, we decided to highlight some records and feats of this elite international competition.
1. Oldest international tournament
The Copa America is arguably one of the oldest international football competitions. The first edition was held in 1916 and has gone on for a period of about 109 years.
2. First winners
Uruguay has a proud record of being the winner of the inaugural tournament held in 1916. They clinched the title after finishing top of their group, with 5 points, overcoming their rivals Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
3. Most Championships won
Uruguay again holds the record for the most Copa America titles, with 15 trophies won so far between 1916 and most recently 2011. So many of the greatest Uruguayan players have participated in the Copa America.
4. All-time highest goal scorer
The record for the highest goal scorer in the history of the tournament is jointly held by Brazilian Thomaz Soares da Silva otherwise known as Zizinho, and Argentine Norberto Mendez with 17 goals each. Lionel Messi is behind with 13 goals to his name.
5. Most participations
Uruguay again appears in this list. La Celeste has featured a record 44 times since the tournament’s inception.
6. Fastest Copa America goal
The fastest ever goal in the history of the Copa America was scored by Argentinian Kily González in 1999 against Uruguay in a group-stage match. The goal was scored in just 68 seconds after the start of the game.
7. Most matches played
Undoubtedly one of the greatest ever football players, Lionel Messi holds the record for the most matches played in the competition’s history.
Messi was featured in 35 games and played over sven tournaments between 2007 to 2024.
8. Most titles won by a single player
Uruguayan legend Angel Romano holds the record for the most titles won by a player. Angel won 6 Copa America trophies between 1916-1926.
9. Fastest hat-trick
The fastest hat-trick in Copa America history was scored by Argentinian Jose Manuel Moreno.
This was achieved in just 10 minutes against Ecuador in 1942. Moreno went on to score two more goals as Argentina hammered the hapless Ecuadorians 12-0.
10. Fastest hat-trick by a substitute
Argentine living legend Lionel Messi holds the record for the fastest hat-trick scored by a substitute in any Copa America competition.
He achieved this feat in 2016, scoring thrice in 19 minutes after coming on to help Argentina defeat Panama 5-0 in a group-stage match.
11. Coach with most games and titles
Legendary Argentine coach, Guillermo Stábile holds the remarkable record of managing the most Copa America games, with a total of 44 matches, and securing the most titles, having won the tournament six times.
