The first edition of the football tournament at the Pan American Games was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 25 February to 8 March 1951. Five teams did compete, after Brazil withdrew on 16 February 1951.

Guillermo Stábile was an Argentine professional football player and manager who played as a centre forward. At club level, Stábile won two national championships with Huracán and played in Italy and France. He was the top scorer of 1930 World Cup, the inaugural iteration of the tournament. As manager, he led Argentina to victory at six South American Championships and Racing Club to three league titles.