The Best Goals From 2016 Copa America Centenario

Copa America Centenario came to a close last night, as Chile defeated Argentina in penalty kicks to clinch a Final that served as a rematch from the group stage, where Argentina nipped the Chileans 2-1 in the teams’ opening match of the tournament just a few weeks ago. Following what was at times uneven group play, this year's edition of Copa finally hit its stride in terms of quality and star power in the knockout stage. And despite the wealth of soccer on TV this summer, fans will undoubtedly be sad to see it go.

You see, Copa has taught us all some valuable lessons. That Lionel Messi guy? As good as advertised. USA’s long-term outlook? Not as bad as we think when times are tough, but not as good as we think when things go well. CONCACAF as the confederation on the rise in the Americas? Eh, not so much.

But above all else, it’s provided us with a series of remarkable free kick, long-range and smashed volley goals that have put the quality of the tournament’s players on full display. Whether coming from a global icon like Messi or a relative unknown like Jhasmani Campos, these remarkable strikes will be what we remember most. Here’s a look at The Best Goals From 2016 Copa America Centenario.

Team: Peru

Opponent: Haiti

While never "routine," the diving header here from Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero is merely a solid finish. What makes this such a noteworthy goal is a combination of two other factors. First, the ball in from winger Edison Flores. The delivery on the break, around three defenders, and right into Guerrero's path is simply world class. The second factor is the element of history. With the goal, Guerrero became the all-time leading scorer for his country; what better time to do it than by bagging the game-winner at a major tournament?

Team: Argentina

Opponent: Panama

While his sublime effort against the U.S. has rightly grabbed all the headlines, Lionel Messi has actually bagged more than one free kick goal during Copa. Indeed, this piece of dead ball precision actually helped set up Messi's wonder goal against the States; he sent this free kick into the top corner of the near post (something U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan undoubtedly watched in preparation for their semifinal match), then changed things up against the Americans by hitting his free kick to the far post instead, wrong-footing Guzan for a critical millisecond. Sometimes it's almost unfair how good this guy is.

Team: Paraguay

Opponent: Colombia

Facing a 2-0 deficit against a team as good as Colombia would be enough to make most teams quit, but if nothing else Paraguay revealed their tenacity throughout their brief appearance in Copa. Midfielder Victor Ayala picked a fine time to hammer home his first ever international goal, an absolutely laced strike from over 30 yards out that goalkeeper David Ospina could merely wave at as it sizzled into the top corner. While this would be Paraguay's only goal of the tournament, it's a pretty good one to have on the highlight reel.

Team: Venezuela

Opponent: Mexico

Mexico had been arguably the tournament's most impressive team and had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals heading into their group stage finale against Venezuela, who were likewise already through after knocking off Uruguay in their previous match. But that didn’t stop defender Jose Manuel Velazquez from making some noise off of a 10th-minute set piece, unleashing a very undefender-likepiece of finishing skill to vault his team to an early lead.

Team: Costa Rica

Opponent: Colombia

If being a professional footballer doesn't work out for him, Johan Venegas could have a second career as a ballerina. With his team for all intents and purposes eliminated, Venegas nevertheless came to play as he absolutely stunned the flat-footed Colombians with this magnificent, curling strike into the top corner of the goal not even 90 seconds into the match. The goal set the tone for what turned out to be a very entertaining back-and-forth affair, which the Costa Ricans ended up winning 3-2.

Team: Chile

Opponent: Panama

Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez is no stranger to great goals, and this side volley to give Chile a 3-1 lead over Panama early in the second half of their group stage clash was a classic example of why he is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the world today. Not only did he make an incredible shot look easy, but by lashing the ball into the back of the net he effectively sealed the win, and with it his team's spot in the quarterfinals. And we all know how things turned out for the eventual Copa America champions.

Team: Bolivia

Opponent: Chile

Down 1-0 to powerhouse Chile, it looked like Bolivia was just about done even though there was still an hour to play. Enter Bolivian Kuwaiti Premier League winger Jhasmani Campos, who stepped over this free kick from 30 yards and delivered an absolutely magnificent curling shot around a (perhaps understaffed) two-man wall and past flailing goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. While Bolivia was feeling the pressure when Chile was awarded—and converted—a controversial penalty in the 100th minute of play to win the game 2-1, Campos nevertheless delivered one of the tournament's enduring highlights.

Team: Argentina

Opponent: United States

While American soccer fans have always known that Lionel Messi is a great player, it's an entirely different thing to learn firsthand. Attempting to limp into halftime with just a 1-0 deficit, in the 32nd minute the U.S. faced an intimidating sight that many teams before have likewise seen: Lionel Messi standing over a free kick well within shooting range. An air of inevitability hung over the proceedings, and while it was not shocking that Messi's strike found the back of the net, the sheer precision of his shot is stunning even on a 10th, 20th, or 30th viewing. It simply does not get any better than this.