The Copa America semi-finals are upon us and things are now getting very serious.
Hosts Brazil have already earned their spot in the final, beating Peru 1-0, with Argentina still to play – meaning we could get a dream final between the two heavyweights for the first time since 2007.
Brazil’s win was a repeat of the 2019 Copa America final, while Argentina face Colombia who last went all the way in 2001.
But, given the sheer level of talent on show at this summer’s tournament, you’re probably wondering who have been the standout individual performers at Copa America. Who has the most goals and assists? Who has completed the most take-ons? And who is South America’s top tackler?
Squawka has you covered right here with Copa America’s stat leaders…
Copa America Golden Boot standings
| Position | Player | Goals scored |
| 1. | Lionel Messi | 4 |
| 2. | Neymar | 2 |
| 3. | Edinson Cavani | 2 |
| 4. | Andre Carrillo | 2 |
| 5. | Eduardo Vargas | 2 |
There are a host of players on two goals right now, including Neymar and Edinson Cavani, but Lionel Messi is the standout goalscorer at Copa America so far with four strikes already.
Copa America top assist providers
| Position | Player | Assists |
| 1. | Lionel Messi | 4 |
| 2. | Neymar | 3 |
| 3. | Juan Cuadrado | 1 |
| 4. | Matias Vecino | 1 |
| 5. | Edson Castillo | 1 |
Incredibly, Messi also has a tournament-high four assists, with Neymar (3) the only other player with more than one to his name at Copa America so far.
Most chances created at Copa America
| Position | Player | Chances created |
| 1. | Neymar | 17 |
| 2. | Lionel Messi | 15 |
| 3. | Christian Cueva | 13 |
| 4. | Kaku | 12 |
| 5. | Pervis Estupiñán | 12 |
Although Messi has the most assists, it’s Neymar who tops the charts for chances created at Copa America with 17 to the Argentine’s 15. Peru’s Christian Cueva takes up third place on 13, ahead of Kaku of Paraguay and Ecuador’s Pervis Estupiñán all on 12.
Most successful take-ons at Copa America
| Position | Player | Succesful take-ons |
| 1. | Neymar | 26 |
| 2. | Lionel Messi | 24 |
| 3. | Christian Cueva | 18 |
| 4. | Andre Carrillo | 15 |
| 5. | Miguel Almiron | 14 |
Another stat, another win for Neymar, who has completed more take-ons (26) than any other player at this summer’s tournament. Once again, Neymar is second with 24, while Peru’s Christian Cueva is third with 18.
Most tackles at Copa America
| Position | Player | Tackles |
| 1. | Alberto Espinola | 23 |
| 2. | Renato Tapia | 19 |
| 3. | Fred | 17 |
| 4. | Yoshimar Yotun | 16 |
| 5. | Wilmar Barrios | 16 |
Finally, a stat that Messi doesn’t lay claim to. Paraguay’s Alberto Espinola is the top tackler at Copa America with 23, at least four more than any other player. If you’re interested, Messi has made six tackles.
Most clean sheets at Copa America
| Position | Player | Clean sheets |
| 1. | Fernando Muslera | 3 |
| 2. | Emiliano Martinez | 3 |
| 3. | David Ospina | 3 |
| 4. | Ederson | 3 |
| 5. | Wuilker Farinez | 1 |
Emiliano Martinez enjoyed a superb season at club level with Aston Villa in 2020/21 and has carried that form into Copa America, keeping three clean sheets so far, drawing him level with Fernando Muslera, David Ospina and Ederson.
Most saves at Copa America
| Position | Player | Saves |
| 1. | Pedro Gallese | 27 |
| 2. | Carlos Lampe | 25 |
| 3. | Claudio Bravo | 16 |
| 4. | Wuilker Farinez | 15 |
| 5. | Antony Silva | 13 |
Given they lost all four of their group games, it’s no surprise to see Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe topping the list for saves made at Copa America (25). Talented Orlando City goalkeeper is second with 20 saves made for Peru, while Chilean veteran Claudio Bravo is third with 16.
Compare your favourite Copa America players with Squawka’s Comparison Matrix