The Copa America 2024 is approaching its start and the teams will be relying on their star finishers to give them a clinical edge over their rivals. Here we take a look at some of the players including Lionel Messi, and Vinicius Jr. who are expected to be the front runners in the race for the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot honour.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has been in a sensational form for Inter Miami in MLS off-late. It is quite imminent that he is going to be the main game-changer for Argentina in the upcoming Copa America 2024. Leo has bagged a sounding tally of 24 goal contributions for Inter Miami in the 2024 MLS campaign so far.
Argentina is capable of going all the way in the major tournaments as they have shown in the FIFA World Cup 2022 and Copa America 2021. If Lionel Messi does find his rhythm, it will be quite hard to stop him from winning that Copa America 2024 Golden Boot.
2. Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez is one of the players to watch out for in the upcoming Copa America. Playing behind Erling Haaland, the forward has shown what he is capable of. His finishing in the last year or so has stood out. He might get a decent chunk of opportunities to play in the front line for his country Argentina in the Copa America.
Alvarez will certainly enjoy feeding on the services of players like Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister. He surely is one of the standout candidates for the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot Race.
3. Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. proved his abilities in Real Madrid’s recent title-winning La Liga campaign. Alongside Jude Bellingham, Vinicius stood out as one of the major performers for the Los Blancos. He has been a pivotal player for Brazil on the international stage since making his debut.
many eyes will be on him in the upcoming Copa America as Brazil will hope to get redemption for their loss in the finals of the 2021 edition of the tournament. He will definitely be eyeing a shot at the Golden Boot award in the prestigious competition.
Also Read: A tactical preview for Argentina National Football Team playing in Copa America 2024
4. Christian Pulisic
After making an exit from Chelsea, Christian Pulisic has somehow revived his career at the Seria A club AC Milan. His finishing has also improved over time. Pulisic surely is one of the most improved players in recent times in world football.
While the USA does have certain standout players in almost every area of the field, honours will be on Christian Pulisic to provide that spark to his side from the initial stages of the tournament. His name is worth in the list of players potentially in line for the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot race.
5. Endrick
Endrick has been making waves with his exceptional skills and talent. The youngster has done well for Brazil in whatever opportunities he has got on the international stage. However, the Copa America will provide him with a grand stage to further propel his name in the world of football.
It is one thing to perform in friendly fixtures for your team, but Endrick will be looking to replicate those performances in the major tournament in the USA. His presence does make Brazil a quite well-balanced side to come up against. Endrick surely finds himself among the names in competition for the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot.
6. Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez has had his fair share of criticism pointed towards his finishing skills leading up to the Copa America. But, the striker has shown in the past that he has the edge to deliver in crucial situations and change the game in his side’s favour.
Having an up-and-down recent Premier League season with Liverpool could have an impact on his confidence. But, it is safe to say that if he manages to find the net in the initial stages of the tournament, he will be one of the contenders for getting the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot.
Also Read: Why Did Lionel Messi Opt Out of Argentina Squad Before Copa America?
7. Lautrao Martinez
Lautaro Martinez’s cutting edge in front of the goal might work in his favour and get him the opportunity to tip fellow teammate Julian Alvarez in order to be the player leading the line for La Albiceleste at the Copa America.
What makes him more dangerous is his capability to hold out the opposition’s defenders. Netting a sum of 24 goals for Inter across all competitions, Lautaro Martinez is a player to watch out for in the race for the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot.
8. Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz was one of the most prolific performers for Liverpool in the recently concluded top-flight campaign. Though the English club faltered in their chase for the title during the latter stages of the season, his consistent performances and goal-scoring prowess didn’t go unnoticed.
Columbia will be hoping for a similar type of magic from their talisman in Copa America 2024. Diaz had 13 goal contributions for the Reds in the 2023-2024 campaign. If Diaz manages to continue his hot streak in the competition, that will make Columbia a force to reckon with
Also Read: A tactical preview for Ecuador football team playing in Copa America 2024