Copa America usually gives fans the chance to watch some of the most exciting strikers in the world, and this edition of the South American tournament will be no exception. Each and everyone of the teams taking part of this competition has at least one player capable of driving their opponents' defense crazy, and although some top names like Luis Suarez will not be able to perform in Chile, this are some of the top names that could join legends like Pelé, Batistuta, Ronaldo and many more who have been crowned as the tournament's top scorers. Here's our analysis on which players you should keep an eye on.
1. Lionel Messi
"La Pulga" had to be included in this countdown, given the wonderful season he enjoyed with Barcelona. Messi has a debt of honor with his National Team, since he hasn't won anything with La Albiceleste. After winning every major tournament with Los Culés this season, while leading the UEFA Champions League scoring department alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, it seems like the perfect opportunity for the Argentinean to provide some happiness to the team's fans.
Messi has been criticized for his lack of silverware with Argentina, and this Copa America could give him the chance to change that.
2. Neymar
Messi's team-mate with Barcelona, the Brazilian striker has evolved during his second season playing with the Spanish giants, and given his role with La Seleçao, Neymar could be one of the top scorers for them. As we mentioned earlier, Neymar was one of the Champions League's top scorers, while his numbers with Los Blaugranas improved considerably.
Neymar is quickly becoming one of Brazil's all-time scoring leaders, something he will try to prove during the upcoming tournament.
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3. Edinson Cavani
The Uruguayan striker will be the man to watch with Los Charrúas, since Luis Suarez will not be available. Cavani was used to be the main striker with Napoli, and he's having a hard time to adapt to a secondary role with PSG, given Zlatan's presence on the pitch. Cavani has scored 24 goals with the Uruguayan National Team, and a good performance in Chile could give him the chance to be the leader Uruguay needs, and perhaps he would also be able to strike a new deal with a team that can grant him a stellar role.
With 70 caps for Uruguay, Cavani will be one of the most experienced players performing for "La Garra Charrúa" this summer.
4. Radamel Falcao
"El Tigre" did not enjoy his best season with Manchester United, and this year's Copa America could give him the chance to redeem himself as a quality striker. During the second semester of the season, Falcao has found the way to shine with Los Cafetaleros, scoring five times in their most recent games. With that in mind, Falcao may get the starting nod with Jose Pekerman's team, making him one of the players to watch in a highly talented Colombian side.
Falcao is currently tied with Arnoldo Iguarán as Colombia' all-time top scorer with 25 goals.
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5. Alexis Sánchez
Arsenal's talented player did not have the best of World Cups last year, and he will try to make an impact this year. Sanchez's role in Jorge Sampaoli's lineup gets him closer to the opponent's net, giving him a chance to shoot even more. His great year with the Gunners may have provided him the necessary confidence to get closer to Chile's all-time scoring leader, which is none other than Marcelo Salas. Furthermore, playing the tournament in his home country will be quite motivating, since the Chileans will want to win it all for the first time.
Sanchez has scored 26 goals with La Roja in 80 games. He is currently 4th in the all-time scoring list.
6. Sergio Aguero
"El Kun was recently crowned as the Premier League's top scorer with 26 goals, and even though it's all about Messi with the Argentinean National Team, Agüero can't be overlooked in any tournament he plays. Agüero will not have it easy to play for Gerardo Martino's squad, given the all-star cast called up for this competition, but if he is a regular starter, he could be one of the top strikers of the tournament.
Agüero is the fifth all-time top scorer in La Albiceleste's history, scoring 27 goals in 61 games.
7. Carlos Bacca
The Colombian striker is enjoying the best moments of his entire career with Sevilla, and his form has also expanded to his National Team. Having won the Europa League last month, Bacca is set to become Radamel Falcao's partner up front, and his skills have not gone unnoticed to some of the world's most important teams. With his skills and determination, Bacca is set to be one of the tournament's top performers, something the Colombians will appreciate.
Bacca is just starting to shine with Colombia's National Team, and this Copa America edition could be his great chance to confirm that.
8. Paolo Guerrero
Peru's third all-time top scorer returns to South America's top tournament with one goal in his mind: Becoming the first Peruvian ever to win Copa America's Golden Shoe two times in a row. In 2011, Guerrero scored five goals while leading Perú to a third-place finish in the tournament. With the help of Jefferson Farfán, Guerrero will also try to become his National Team' top scorer.
Guerrero has enjoyed some of his best seasons as a pro while playing in Brazil recently.
9. Roque Santa Cruz
Paraguay's all-time top scorer is living his final moments with the red-and-white side. In this Copa America edition, Santa Cruz will try to prove he still has some good mileage left to help the Paraguayans to the title once again, while adding goals to his total. The 33-year old veteran will be one of the most experienced players for La Albirroja, and his performance will be key to their survival in the tournament.
Santa Cruz has scored 32 goals in 105 games with the Paraguayan team.
10. Raúl Jiménez
Jiménez was one of Atletico Madrid's signings during the past summer, and while he did not have an immediate impact with Simeone's team, his skills have not diminished one bit. Given the absence of Chicharito Hernández and Carlos Vela, Jimenez's chances of being Mexico's starting striker have increased, and he could justify Simeone's trust by performing correctly with El Tri this summer.
Jimenez(22) scored a crucial goal during the CONCACAF qualifiers for Brazil 2014 with a phenomenal bicycle kick.
