The Copa America Centenario is being hosted by the United States for the first time this year. The special Centenario edition of this year’s Copa America celebrates 100 years of the Copa America. Since 1916, Copa America has entertained fans and remains one of the most popular football tournaments in the world.The Copa America witnesses goal-fests in every edition with a total of 59 goals being scored in the last edition of Copa America in 2015.
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The final ball in the process of scoring a goal is instrumental in the striker’s efforts in putting the ball into the back of the net. The Copa America has seen world class playmakers in action through the years. Through the years, creative midfielders like Zico, Ronaldinho and Juan Riquelme have lighted the South American stage with their vision and passing.
The leading assist maker in the history of the Copa America is Lionel Messi. The Argentinian magician, who assisted thrice each in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 editions,totalling to 9 assists is known as one of the best passers in the game despite his outstanding goalscoring record. Lionel Messi has never won a major trophy for his nation and he’ll hope he can contribute through his assists in this year’s competition and win Argentina the trophy.
Chilean Jorge Valdivia shared the honours with Messi for the most assists in last years tournament in 2015. Chile went on to win Copa America 2015 beating Argentina via a penalty shootout after a 0-0 stalemate after 120 minutes of football.
This year’s Copa America will see talented and world class playmakers like Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Willian and Arturo Vidal in action as they look to help their team score goals and win the tournament for their nation.
The Copa America Centenario 2016 Assists chart is led by American Clint Dempsey, after his pass was converted into a goal by Gyasi Zardes against Ecuador. Chile duo Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal follow him in the table (from among the teams still left in the competition).
| Rank | Player | Team | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clint Dempsey | United States | 3 |
| 2 | Enner Valencia | Ecuador | 2 |
| Alexis Sanchez | Chile | 2 | |
| Arturo Vidal | Chile | 2 | |
| Edwin Cardona | Colombia | 2 | |
| Ángel Di María | Argentina | 2 | |
| Paolo Guerrero | Peru | 2 | |
| Dani Alves | Brazil | 2 | |
| Marcos Rojo | Argentina | 2 | |
| 9 | Abdiel Arroyo | Panama | 1 |
| Andy Polo | Peru | 1 | |
| Héctor Herrera | Mexico | 1 | |
| Celso Borges | Costa Rica | 1 | |
| Antonio Valencia | Ecuador | 1 | |
| José Fuenzalida | Chile | 1 | |
| Filipe Luís | Brazil | 1 | |
| Gyasi Zardes | United States | 1 | |
| Juan Cuadrado | Colombia | 1 | |
| Fabián Orellana | Chile | 1 | |
| Gonzalo Higuaín | Argentina | 1 | |
| Jonas | Brazil | 1 | |
| Ever Banega | Argentina | 1 | |
| Alberto Quintero | Panama | 1 | |
| Edison Flores | Peru | 1 | |
| Jermaine Jones | United States | 1 | |
| Walter Ayoví | Ecuador | 1 | |
| Nicolás Lodeiro | Uruguay | 1 | |
| James Rodríguez | Colombia | 1 | |
| Jean Beauséjour | Chile | 1 | |
| Alejandro Guerra | Venezuela | 1 | |
| Carlos Sánchez | Uruguay | 1 | |
| Bryan Oviedo | Costa Rica | 1 | |
| Eduardo Vargas | Chile | 1 | |
| Raúl Jiménez | Mexico | 1 | |
| Elías | Brazil | 1 | |
| Miguel Layún | Mexico | 1 | |
| Jesus Corona | Mexico | 1 | |
| Christian Santos | Venezuela | 1 | |
| Ezequiel Lavezzi | Argentina | 1 | |
| Gil | Brazil | 1 | |
| Christian Noboa | Ecuador | 1 | |
| Gabriel Gómez | Panama | 1 |
