Copa America- Gonzalo Higuain shines next to Messi

When you think of the all-time greatest Argentinian goal scorers, your thoughts turn instantly to three or four greats. Lionel Messi broke the record this week as he bagged his 55th goal for his country, making him number one in the list. Below him? Jesus Christ lookalike and goal addict Gabriel Batistuta. In third spot we have ex-Chelsea player and Inter Milan legend Hernan Crespo. And there’s no forgetting Diego Maradona, is there...?

But what about Gonzalo Higuain? Well, until recently, the former Real Madrid striker has never really lit up the footballing world, has he? Despite having scored more than a hundred times for the Bernabeu club. But now? As he ages, he seems to get better and better. He’s a Pirloesque  player, ageing like a fine wine. Now 28 years of age, he’s found serious form with his Italian club Napoli. 36 goals in Serie A last season is a league record. And his domestic success has carried through to the national team. Him and Messi have helped spark the Copa America this summer.

Argentina now boast an unbelievably terrifying front line. Messi, Sergio Aguero and Higuain are all in the country’s top six ever goal scorers. Defences haven’t been getting a lot of sleep at the football tournament that’s currently lighting up South America. Higuain’s brace in the first half hour helped La Albiceleste overcome Venezuela in the Quarter Finals. His last minute tap in against the USA helped seal passage to the final too. 

His sights are now set on Chile in the final. But after their incredible 7-0 victory over a previously impressive Mexico side, they’ll be harder to break down than the team Higuain and pals have faced thus far in the tournament. But that won’t stop him from trying. And when he tries, he usually succeeds. 

Lining up with the diminutive goal machine that is Lionel Messi is a double edged sword, though. True, he’s - arguably - the best player in the world (and ever...). Goals and assists should come your way. You might well up your game like Neymar and Luis Suarez do. But there’s also the distinct chance than you may just get left by the wayside. Gonzalo Higuain needs to avoid falling into that trap. And we think he will.

El Pipita is only a hat trick away from equally Maradona’s tally for his country. And based on current form? We don’t think it’ll take the French-born striker all that long to overtake the great man.