Lionel Messi Favored at Odds of +350 for Top Goalscorer at Copa América 2019
- Argentina’s Lionel Messi established as the +350 favorite to lead the 2019 Copa America in goals
- Messi finished second at the 2016 Copa America, scoring five goals
- Chile’s Eduarado Vargas netted a tournament-leading six goals
Lionel Messi was close to leading the 2016 Copa America in goals. But as anyone who wagers on sports knows, close doesn’t get you anything.
Messi scored five goals for Argentina at the tournament in the United States. That was one shy of the lead.
2019 Copa América Top Goalscorer Odds
| Player (Team) | Odds |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi (Argentina) | +350 |
| Neymar (Brazil) | +500 |
| Edinson Cavani (Uruguay) | +800 |
| Luis Suarez (Uruguay) | +800 |
| Sergio Aguero (Argentina) | +800 |
| Gabriel Jesus (Brazil) | +1200 |
| Richarlison (Brazil) | +1600 |
| Eduardo Vargas (Chile) | +1600 |
| Radamel Falcao (Colombia) | +1600 |
| Paolo Guerrero (Peru) | +2000 |
| Roberto Firmino (Brazil) | +2000 |
| Alexis Sanchez (Chile) | +2500 |
| Duvan Zapata (Colombia) | +2500 |
| James Rodriguez (Colombia) | +2000 |
| Jefferson Farfan (Peru) | +2500 |
*Odds taken on 06/05/19. Follow the link in the table above for a complete list of all players.
Oddsmakers are confident that Messi can take the next step at this year’s event in Brazil. He’s the +350 favorite in the Copa America odds to finish as tournament goal-scoring leader.
The Copa America is slated for June 15-July 7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9rkNWlthZ8
A Fine Messi
It was an off-year in terms of trophies won by Barcelona. Messi, though, displayed that he still has magic in his boots.
Messi's 36 league goals earned him the European Golden Shoe for the sixth time overall and third year in a row.
He tops our season-long Player Power Rankings. pic.twitter.com/8Jx3cPhnLw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 27, 2019
For instance, he led all of Europe with 36 goals. Messi won the European Golden Shoe for the sixth time in his career. It was the third-straight year that Messi was presented with the award.
The Argentine star has won his six European Golden Shoe trophies over the past nine years.
OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi's free-kick against Liverpool is the Champions League goal of the season 🥇
The perfect strike 🤩pic.twitter.com/wHKk7Usxyj
— GOAL (@goal) June 4, 2019
His brilliant free-kick tally against Liverpool in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals was voted the UCL goal of the year.
On the International Stage
There’s been plenty of heartbreak for Messi when he wears the white and light blue vertical stripes of his homeland. He’s never lifted a trophy playing for Argentina. The Argentines are without a title since the 1993 Copa America.
Lionel Messi on Argentina: "I want to retire having won something with Argentina. I will keep trying to win something. I am loving being here and training with the squad." pic.twitter.com/1t5PR7igae
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) June 1, 2019
Messi scored twice in the 2007 Copa America. He failed to find the back of the net at the 2011 tournament, though he did lead the event in assists.
He converted a spot kick in Argentina’s quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to Uruguay. Messi scored just once at the 2015 tournament.
He’s never led the Copa America in goals.
If Not Lionel, Then Who?
You can get odds of +1600 on Chile’s Eduardo Vargas. The 2016 Copa America goal-scoring leader was also co-leader in 2015 with Peru’s Paolo Guerrero. On the other hand. Chile’s 2016 win was a one-off. The side has aged since then and some key players have retired. Don’t expect another Chilean miracle this time around.
Eduardo Vargas (CHI) records the first four-goal game at Copa América since 1957. pic.twitter.com/d0FCwIsYho
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 19, 2016
Guerrero (+2000) is back in Peru’s side. He’s scored more Copa America goals (19) than anyone in the tournament.
9 goals in 13 games!! Paolo Guerrero is on 🔥 🔥 🔥
He’s ready for #CopaAmérica!#ArribaPerú #VamoInter https://t.co/GqQKRjE1B5— Diego Montalvan (@DMontalvan) June 2, 2019
Brazil’s form has been spectacular of late. That might make you lean toward Neymar. But he’s got troubles of his own. Firstly, Neymar wants a move from Paris Saint-Germain. As well, he was recently accused of rape. How will these distractions impact upon his play on the pitch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fduDynGCQTM
Uruguay is a fashionable choice to win it all. However, one of its stars, Luis Suarez, underwent knee surgery in early May. As a result, his form may be in question. Still, there’s another Uruguayan star who could pip this honor.
Edinson Cavani practicing his shooting in training today, brings up some memories of past summer.
Edi was on top of the world after that performance, but it wasn't to be for him and Uruguay… pic.twitter.com/m8YVrAokPV
— Warriors of Uruguay (@UruguayanHeroes) June 4, 2019
Edinson Cavani led all 2018 World Cup qualifying scorers with 10 goals. He tallied three times in two games in Russia. However, a hamstring injury ended his tournament. Cavani netted 18 goals in 21 games for PSG this season.
In conclusion, at +800, Cavani offers a great price.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
