Top 10 players with most assists in the history of Copa America

The chart features some of the finest footballers to have come out of South America.

Copa America is the longest-running international tournament. The competition is organised by CONMEBOL, the governing body for football in South America and features countries from the continent. With teams focusing more on attacking play goals come in plenty. As a result, the Copa America has also seen top players dominating the tournament with most goals and assists.

The level of the competition has been fierce over the years. Teams like Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay among others have scored a lot of goals, winning the tournament in the process. The competition also features extremely talented playmakers like Lionel Messi, Neymar and James Rodriguez - who provide crucial assists for the goalscorers.

A look at the highest assist makers brings forth a host of legendary players who have represented their countries in the tournament. Here are the top 10 players with most assists in the history of Copa America:

10. Roberto Carlos - 3 assists 21 games

Brazil's legendary left-back Roberto Carlos recorded three assists in his career at the Copa America. He took 21 games to reach the target. A forward-thinking full-back, Carlos also possessed a powerful left-foot. Eduardo Vargas of Chile is also on three assists and an active player who might overtake Carlos in days to come.

9. Arturo Vidal - 3 assists 21 games

Chile’s Arturo Vidal also has three assists in the history of the competition. The 34-year-old is still an active player and will play a crucial role in his country’s bid to win the ongoing 2021 Copa America. He would like to add more assists to his record.

8. Dani Alves - 4 assists 19 games

Dani Alves was supposed to represent Brazil at the ongoing 2021 Copa America but missed out due to injury. The 38-year-old has four assists in 19 games and has also won the competition on two occasions. 

7. Paolo Guerrero - 5 assists 26 games

He is also one of the highest goalscorers in the history of the competition. Paolo Guerrero has five assists in addition to his 14 goals. He has also participated in six editions of the tournament. A veteran and a legendary figure for Peru. 

6. Charles Aranguiz - 5 assists 20 games

Charles Aranguiz is next on the list with five assists. He has already made 20 appearances in the competition during his career. The captain of the Chilean team has won the competition twice, in 2014/15 and 2015/16. The midfielder is still an active player and could rise in rankings.

5. Alexis Sanchez - 6 assists 22 games

Chile’s Alexis Sanchez is next with six assists to his name. The former Arsenal and Manchester United player has won the Copa America on two occasions with his country. The attacker is still active for the international team and will look to add to his tally during the 2021 edition of the tournament.

4. Juan Arango (Venezuela) - 6 assists 22 games

The retired Venezuelan footballer recorded six assists in 22 games. Juan Arango had 132 caps for the national team and also scored 23 goals overall. However, he scored only two goals in Copa America across the 22 appearances.

3. Angel di Maria - 6 assists 20 games

Angel di Maria has six assists in the competition in 20 overall appearances. The Argentine winger has struggled to feature lately in the 2021 edition. Nevertheless, Di Maria is an integral part of Argentina’s squad and will play a role if they are to win the competition. His attacking output could see a further increase.

2. Carlos Tevez (Argentina) - 6 assists 19 games

Argentina’s Carlos Tevez has six assists as well. The former Manchester United and Manchester City player could not guide the national team to a Copa America triumph. Tevez has three goals in the tournament, which is an underwhelming record for a player of his stature.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 17 assists 34 games

He is the highest assist maker in the history of Copa America. Lionel Messi has more than double the number of assists than the second-placed player with 17 assists to his name. Messi has also scored 13 goals in the competition, winning it once in his career. Incidentally, the Copa America 2021 victory is also Messi's only international trophy won for Argentina.

Argentina’s record all-time highest goalscorer will look to add to his tally in future.

**The article was last updated on July 7, 10:47 AM IST

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