The Copa America 2024 has so far had almost everything at its disposal. From consistent goal-scorers to determined defenders and stunning playmakers. The tournament’s round 3 has culminated recently. Now the focus has shifted towards the upcoming quarterfinals.
Some of the sides that have qualified for the quarterfinals do possess players who currently find themselves in the Copa America 2024 most assists table. Players like James Rodriguez, and Nicholas de la Cruz have delivered game-changing moments while donning the playmakers’ role.
The respective teams will only hope that these players continue to shine even in the knockout stages of the tournament and get them close to lifting the Copa America 2024 trophy. Here we take a look at the players currently leading the assists tally in the ongoing 48th edition of the tournament.
Also Read: Argentina vs Ecuador: Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Copa America 2024
James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez currently sits at the top spot in terms of the Copa America 2024 most assists table. The Colombian attacking midfielder has three assists to his name in the tournament so far in his three matches played.
The 32-year-old has been ticking all the boxes and has been in fine form in the 48th edition of the Copa America. He recorded a brace of assists in Colombia’s 2-1 win over Paraguay, while his other assist came in his sides’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
The veteran player has once again delivered for his nation on the big stage. He has been Colombia’s most impactful player in the Copa America 2024. It’s interesting how some of the critics had written him off before the tournament even started, but he has stood up and proved all of them wrong. Now James Rodriguez’s Colombia will face Panama in the quarterfinals.
Nicholas de la Cruz
Nicholas de la Cruz currently holds the second spot in the Copa America 2024 most assists table. The Uruguayan midfielder has been pivotal in their on-field performances in the tournament so far. He has shown meticulous game awareness during crucial junctures of the group stage matches.
The 27-year-old got his first assist in Uruguay’s 3-1 win over Panama. He registered his second assist of the tournament in his team’s thumping 5-0 win over Bolivia. Capable of playing as a central midfielder as well, Nicholas de la Cruz has so far played as an attacking midfielder for Uruguay in the ongoing edition of Copa America. His team Uruguay will now come up against Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Copa America 2024.
Lionel Messi
While Lionel Messi missed the third and final group stage game for Argentina in the Copa America 2024 due to injury concerns and was on the bench for it, he played their first two fixtures against Canada and Chile.
Leo registered his first and only assist of the tournament so far in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada. He currently dons the third spot in terms of players with the most assists in Copa America 2024. Messi is expected to be fit for La Albiceleste’s quarterfinal clash against Ecuador. In addition to his playmaking abilities, La Albiceleste would also be relying on his goal-scoring threat in the knockout stages.
Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria equals his teammate Lionel Messi in terms of the number of assists so far in the ongoing Copa America 2024. He registered his only assist of the tournament so far in La Albiceleste’s 2-0 win over Peru in their final Group A fixture.
Having qualified for the quarterfinals, after finishing at the top of their group, Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni will know how crucial Di Maria is for his side if they want to lift the trophy for the second consecutive time.
Jacob Shaffelburg
Canada’s Jacob Shaffelburg currently equals Lionel Messi, and Angel Di Maria in terms of most assists in the ongoing Copa America. The winger had played in all three group-stage matches of Canada in the tournament so far. The 24-year-old player got his first assist of the tournament in Canada’s 0-1 win over Peru in the group stages.
His game time has increased with every passing match in the Copa America 2024. He seems capable of playing without fear and carrying his team up the pitch without feeling the pressure of the occasion. Canada will be eyeing another consistent performance from him when they take on Venezuela in the quarterfinals. Jacob Shaffelburg has emerged as one of the most promising talents from the Copa America 2024 till now.
Copa America 2024 Most Assists after Round 3
| Position | Player | Assists | Matches | Nation |
| 1 | James Rodriguez | 3 | 3 | Colombia |
| 2 | Nicholas de la Cruz | 2 | 3 | Uruguay |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | 1 | 2 | Argentina |
| =3 | Angel Di Maria | 1 | 3 | Argentina |
| =3 | Jacob Shaffelburg | 1 | 3 | Canada |
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