Top five Golden Boot contenders at Copa America 2021

These forwards will likely set the continental competition on fire with their abilities in the frontlines.

After a change of venue only a fortnight ahead of the tournament, the Copa America is set to take place in Brazil from June 14. Fans all over the world will be hoping for a tournament filled with the flair and panache that has come to be associated with South American football, to put to bed what has been a torrid year for football and the world.

Here we list of the top five contenders for the Golden Boot at Copa America 2021.

5. Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)

The 23-year-old striker will be making his first appearance in a major international tournament. The attacker had a stellar season with Inter Milan in the previous season, winning the scudetto for the Nerazzuri. Martinez scored 19 goals and assisted a further 11 for Inter Milan in the previous campaign and will hope to recreate the charm in the Copa America.

He will also be hoping to take on the mantle from Lionel Messi and lead his country into a new era of success in major tournaments.

4. Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)

El Matador rolled back the years in the Premier League this season with Manchester United. The 34-year-old’s simply unparalleled movement in the box proved to be too much for defenders. He scored 17 goals in just 39 appearances for the Red Devils in the last campaign.

Cavani will be looking for one final hurrah with La Celeste before he hangs up his international boots. The Copa America could be the stage for him to shine one last time.

3. Neymar (Brazil)

The PSG forward has long been the golden boy for Brazil. The PSG forward is coming off of a disappointing season with the French club. However, with 17 goals and 11 assists in just 31 appearances this campaign, the Brazilian looks in phenomenal touch going into the Copa America.

Neymar will be looking to lead a largely inexperienced Brazilian side to international glory this campaign. He will be one of the front runners for the golden boot.

2. Luis Suarez (Uruguay)

Like his compatriot Cavani, El Pistolo is nearing the end of his international career. However, the attacker is as potent as ever, having proved his worth in the La Liga this season by winning the Spanish top flight with Atletico Madrid after his unceremonious exit from Barcelona. The 34-year-old scored 21 goals in 38 appearances this campaign, proving to the world that age is just a number.

Suarez will line up in what is a very exciting Uruguay side that could prove to be the dark horses of the Copa America.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

No prizes for guessing who takes the number one spot on our list. Despite being regarded as one of the greatest players of the game ever, Messi has been criticized widely is his failure to win an international trophy with Argentina. The Copa America 2021 could prove to be Messi’s best chance of breaking the curse.

The 33-year-old scored 38 goals and created a further 14 for Barcelona in the last season and will be fired up to carry his Argentinian side over the line this year.

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