Playing host to the Copa América for the sixth time, Argentina, champions of the previous edition, capitalized on the fact they were at home to win back-to-back titles. This victory, Argentina’s eighth in the competition, served to draw level with the Uruguayans in number of Cups lifted, since Uruguay also amassed eight titles.
At the old San Lorenzo Stadium, the Argentine squad won all five matches, scored 17 goals and conceded only 3. Managed by Guillermo Stábile, top scorer of the 1930 World Cup Finals, the Argentineans secured the title in the last game, after beating a powerful Brazilian side two to nothing, with a brace by Norberto Méndez.
The 1946 Copa América also marked the retirement of some superstars from the start of the 30’s and 40’s, the likes of Brazilian defender Domingos da Guia and Paraguayan striker Delfin Benítez Cáceres. Prolific striker José Maria Medina, the Cup leading scorer on 7 goals, was one of the rare standouts on the Uruguayan squad, that ended in fourth place.
Besides being the greatest champion, Argentina has also most of the runner-up titles – total of 12. As the runner-up in 2004 and 2007, Argentina surpassed Brazil (11 runner-up titles). Uruguay held the title six times.