Why is it called Copa America?
The Copa America is one of the oldest football tournaments in the world and over the years has gained great importance, becoming a true brand. Like most competitions, its history speaks of changes not only in the format but also in the name. The first edition of this event was on July 2, 1916, a time when it was called the South American Championship. From 1975 onwards, it was renamed Copa America, giving it a more general look, which helped achieve the international prestige it has today.
With the debut of the new name, other novelties were incorporated, as it was the first time that the 10 teams affiliated with CONMEBOL played in the tournament. In addition, that edition did not have a fixed venue, the matches were played home and away, and the tournament started being held every four years.
Since 1987, the confederation has had a fixed venue, and it was established that the affiliated countries would take turns as hosts. Other changes followed, and it is believed that modifications will continue to be made in order to improve the competition and make it more attractive to the public. The countries with the most titles in history are Argentina and Uruguay at the top, with 15 titles each, followed by Brazil with 9. Others like Paraguay, Chile, and Peru have 2, and Colombia and Bolivia have 1.
The top scorers are several, but names like Lionel Messi and Gabriel Batistuta stand out. However, the podium is led by others like Norberto Méndez and the Brazilian Zizinho, who shined in the early seasons. There were several social events that affected the realization of the Copa America, with the most recent being the coronavirus pandemic that postponed the 2020 edition, which was finally held a year later.
In conclusion, the history and evolution of the Copa America have made it a prestigious tournament with rich traditions and a high level of competition. The changes in format and name have contributed to its international recognition and appeal, making it one of the most anticipated football events in South America.