The Copa America is regarded as the oldest continental football competition in the world after the Olympics, pre-dating even the World Cup. The competition began in 1916 almost 108 years ago. While Copa America is mainly played to determine the winners of South America, teams from North America are also often invited to compete since the 1990s. It is the third most-watched international football tournament after the World Cup and the European Championship. Normally, 12 teams participate in the Copa America with 10 from CONMEBOL and two from other confederations. However, the 48th edition will consist of 16 teams.
Argentina and Uruguay are the joint-most winners of the Copa America with 15. Brazil comes third with nine titles to their name. La Albieceste are also the current holder of the competition and has competed in more final matches than any other side. Meanwhile, La Celeste has made the most appearances in the contest and matches played. Argentina also leads the chart in the number of goals scored. Their talisman Lionel Messi is set to break multiple records in the 2024 Copa America being the joint-most appearance maker in the competition and just four goals behind the all-time top scorer record.
Records by Teams in Copa America
Most championships: Argentina and Uruguay (15)
Most championships as hosts: Uruguay (7)
Most consecutive championships: Argentina (1945, 1946, 1947)
Most appearance: Uruguay (45)
Most consecutive appearance: Uruguay (19)
Most matches played: Uruguay (206)
Most appearance in the final: Argentina (29)
Most consecutive final matches: Argentina (7)
Most consecutive runners-up: Argentina (4)
Most wins: Argentina (128)
Most wins in a single tournament: Brazil (7)
Most losses: Chile (88)
Most draws: Paraguay (43)
Most goals scored: Argentina (474)
Most goals scored in a single tournament: Brazil (46 in 1949)
Most goals conceded: Ecuador (327)
Fewest goals conceded in a single tournament: Colombia (0 in 2001)
Records by Players and Coaches in Copa America
Most tournaments played: Sergio Livingstone and Lionel Messi (6)
Most matches played: Sergio Livingstone and Lionel Messi (34)
Top goalscorer: Norberto Méndez (17)
Top active goalscorer(s): Paolo Guerrero and Eduardo Vargas (14)
Most titles as a player: Ángel Romano (6)
Most titles as a coach: Guillermo Stábile (6)
Most titles as a player and coach: Manuel Seoane (3)
Most assists provided in a single tournament: Lionel Messi (5 in 2021)
