The Copa America 2024 has been an exhilarating tournament filled with outstanding performances, dramatic matches, and unforgettable moments. Their skill, passion, and dedication have not only entertained but also inspired millions, reaffirming the Copa America as one of football’s premier competitions.
Argentina clinched the title for the record 16th time after beating Colombia in the final thanks to the extra-time winner by Lautaro Martinez. Messi’s tears after being injured and subbed off turned into jubilation as he led his team to their fourth title in four years.
As the dust settles and the champions are crowned, it’s time to look back at the Top 10 Performers at Copa America 2024 who lit up the tournament with their brilliance. Here, we delve into their stats, contributions, and the impact they had on their respective teams.
Stephan Eustaquio (Canadá)
Under new head coach Jesse Marsch, Canada made a remarkable run to the semifinals of the Copa America 2024, emerging as the last CONCACAF team standing. Central to this impressive campaign was midfield star Stephen Eustaquio, who has long been a vital component of the team. The Porto midfielder once again proved his worth.
Despite Canada’s struggles in front of goal, Eustaquio was a defensive stalwart, shielding the backline with determination and composure against formidable opponents, including two intense matches against defending world champions Argentina. The 27-year-old’s strong tackling and timely interceptions were crucial in maintaining the team’s defensive solidity. Additionally, his ability to deliver nearly 5.5 progressive passes per match, especially for a team often under pressure and with limited possession, highlighted his crucial role in driving the team forward and orchestrating play from midfield.
Jon Aramburu (Venezuela)
Real Sociedad’s rising star, Jon Aramburu, looks set to see much more action in La Liga this upcoming season. He made a name for himself in this campaign, and different clubs are still looking at how he will fare in the next season.
Before the final showdown in Miami, Aramburu astonishingly held the highest average match rating of the entire tournament according to FotMob. His defensive prowess was a standout feature, with his remarkable total of 26 tackles—averaging nearly nine per game—leading the tournament. In addition to his defensive work, Aramburu also contributed offensively, assisting on two crucial goals, including the equalizer in their 1-1 draw against Canada in the quarterfinals. At just 21 years old, Aramburu is undoubtedly a star on the rise.
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
Throughout much of the 2024 Copa America, Argentina seemed to be sleep-walking, relying heavily on their goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, to keep their tournament hopes alive—and he certainly delivered.
The most memorable “Dibu” moment came in the quarterfinals against Ecuador, where Martinez saved two penalties in the shootout, preserving Argentina’s chances of defending their title and adding to his impressive list of shootout heroics.
However, his contributions extended far beyond that single match. Martinez kept four clean sheets on the road to the final despite facing 3.93 xG and ten shots on target from their opponents, proving his invaluable presence between the posts. His intimidating tricks to bamboozle opponents are already iconic.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi always stands up whenever his team needs him. This may not be a good Copa campaign according to his standards but it was a great one for any other player on the earth. His hunt for international glory was much less brighter than the 2021 campaign. He could play with an easy mind having won the Copa and the World Cup.
He scored a goal in the Semi-Final and had an assist in his name. He has created the most number of chances in this cup. His leadership really keeps the herd together, and he aspires to achieve more and more. He really struggled in the national team but now has four international trophies to his name, further cementing his legacy as the greatest player of all time. He had to be substituted in the final owing to his ankle injury, which raised concern for all football fans around the globe.
Richard Rios (Colombia)
Colombian midfielder Richard Rios had a breakout tournament, as the 24-year-old will certainly get looks from European clubs with his performances. He really gave tough times to the opponents with his ball-playing skills composure on the ball and the urge to drive the ball forward.
The 24-year-old saved his best for last, bossing the first half of the final against Argentina and finishing with two chances created, a 92% passing rate, 2/2 dribbling, 3/3 on long balls, and six defensive actions, including two completed tackles. He showcased how a midfielder is meant to perform intense and physical encounters.
Luis Diaz (Colombia)
Liverpool star Luis Diaz lit up the summer tournament with his electric performances. He scored two goals and consistently created opportunities for his teammates. His dazzling dribbling was a highlight, as he shredded defenders repeatedly, winning nearly three take-ons per match and recording the second-highest total in the tournament, just behind his teammate Richard Rios.
Diaz also created seven chances, with a 0.2 xA rate, meaning he generated exceptionally high-value opportunities for his fellow Colombians. He was a constant threat from both wings and made life tough for defenders.
Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay)
Uruguay’s semifinal exit was a heartbreaker, ending what had the potential to be an incredible campaign. However, Manuel Ugarte was a standout performer in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad. The 23-year-old PSG star, who had an underwhelming first season in France, found his stride during the summer international tournament.
Ugarte was pivotal, playing every minute of Uruguay’s five matches—a remarkable achievement in Bielsa’s high-intensity system. He excelled as a two-way player, winning nearly five tackles per game and distributing the ball effectively across the pitch. His performances underscored his development and potential, making him one of Uruguay’s brightest stars.
Christian Romero (Argentina)
While Emi Martinez was crucial in the penalty shootout against Ecuador, Argentina’s back line has provided significant support throughout the tournament. Christian Romero, often criticized for his discipline, has been exceptional this summer. He boasts an impressive 85% success rate in ground duels and has won an outstanding 21 tackles.
Remarkably, Romero managed to avoid receiving a yellow card in the Copa America prior to the final and committed less than one foul per match, a standout achievement for a defender in such a physically demanding competition. He was also rock solid in the final against Colombia and made clean tackles to ensure that his team went over the line without any drama.
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)
Although not a regular starter for Argentina in recent months or throughout the tournament, Inter star Martinez clinched the 2024 Copa America Golden Boot as the competition’s leading scorer. His achievement was solidified with a dramatic winner in the 112th minute of the final of Copa America Cup 2024. He made true the connective Copa America wins for his national team.
Remarkably, Martinez managed to win the award despite starting in just two of Argentina’s matches during the competition. He continued his form at Inter and delivered the goods for his national team when they needed him the most. He wasn’t used much in the World Cup campaign either, but he has always backed and helped Julian Alvarez.
James Rodriguez (Colombia)
The Colombian superstar has reignited his dazzling form reminiscent of the 2014 World Cup, once again shining brightly in another summer international tournament.
Rodriguez’s six assists in the 2024 competition set a new Copa America record, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous mark of five from Argentina’s 2021 title campaign. He adeptly created scoring opportunities for his teammates through various means, exploiting every chance presented by opponents to maximum effect. In a tournament marked by a scarcity of goals, Rodriguez stood out as a lone beacon of creativity up front—his six assists were three times more than any other player managed throughout the competition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Copa America 2024 will be remembered for the stellar performances of its standout players who elevated the tournament to new heights. From Lionel Messi’s mesmerizing displays to James Rodriguez’s record-breaking assists, each player showcased their unique talents, leaving fans in awe. As the dust settles and champions are crowned, these players have etched their names into the tournament’s history with unforgettable moments and contributions.
As we look forward to future editions, the legacy of these Top 10 Performers at Copa America 2024 will continue to resonate, shaping the narrative of South American football for years to come. Check out the list of Top 10 Best players of Euro Cup 2024.
