Copa America 2024: Ranking the Top Performers for Player of the Tournament

The first round of the Copa America 2024 group matches have all been played out now. We have seen some expected results as the favorites begin their march towards the trophy but we’ve also seen some surprises in the first round itself.

The tournament commenced with Argentina, who are looking to defend their title, beating Canada 2-0. The first round then ended with Brazil, who are seen as the next favorites, playing out a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in an underwhelming performance.

There have been 15 goals scored in 12 matches so far, with seven teams keeping a clean sheet. Some players have made their marks already in the tournament and have built a great platform for their respective teams for the rest of the tournament.

Also Read: Copa America 2024 Most Assists after Round 1

On that note, let’s take a look at Copa America 2024 Player of the Tournament Rankings after Round 1:

1. Christian Pulisic

Perhaps not the favorite to win the Player of the Tournament award but Christian Pulisic has certainly began his Copa America 2024 campaign with a blast. He scored for the USA within just three minutes in their opening clash against Bolivia. The skipper then added an assist to his name, setting up Folarin Balogun to score in the 44^th minute.

The USA are placed in Group C with Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia and are expected to reach the knockouts. However, if Pulisic can retain his form, they can even finish as group leaders above Uruguay.

2. James Rodriguez

It’s hard to forget James Rodriguez’s exploits for Colombia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals. A decade later, Rodriguez continues to be the main man for his national side.

In their opening game against Paraguay, the skipper provided two assists to help his side win 2-1. He also created four chances, including one big chance in the 89 minutes he was on the pitch. With Brazil drawing 0-0 against Costa Rica, Colombia have a great chance to finish as the winners in Group D and a lot will depend on James Rodriguez’s form.

3. Matias Vina

They’ve had a drop in recent years but Uruguay are arguably back in contention to being one of the toughest South American teams to face. Under Marcelo Bielsa, they look like a side reformed playing football. This is evident by left-back Matias Vina’s display in their 3-1 win over Panama in their opening game of Copa America 2024.

Vina scored a goal and provided an assist as Uruguay secured a comfortable win. He also created four chances and attempted one shot.

4. Lionel Messi

One cannot put Lionel Messi out of the race for the Player of the Tournament award, no matter which tournament he participates in. Having won the award at the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he would like to retain it this time around.

Messi had an excellent display in Argentina’s opening game against Canada as they won 2-0. He provided an assist and created five big chances! The only negative from his display was that he missed two big chances that one generally expects him to score.

Regardless, the 37-year-old will be keen to light Copa America 2024, which could be his final major tournament with Argentina.

5. Cristian Romero

While goalscorers and forwards often take the credit, and rightly so, Argentina’s defense has been one of the main reasons for their success in recent years. Cristian Romero has been one of the best defenders in the world in recent years and that only intensifies when he wears the Argentina shirt.

In his presence, La Albiceleste have kept 25 clean sheets in 32 games, conceded just 11 goals, and won 24 games and three trophies. He was again formidable against Canada, making 6 recoveries, 3 clearances, and 2 interceptions. He won 6/6 ground duels and completed 91/93 passes.

Copa America 2024 Player of the Tournament Rankings

Also Read: Copa America 2024 Golden Boot standings: List of top goalscorers after round 1