The great Lionel Messi has added another record to his storied career.
With his start in Argentina’s opener against Canada in the 2024 Copa America, Messi set a new record for highest-capped player at the tournament.
Messi’s start on Thursday was the 35th Copa America game of his career, and he passed Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone’s previous record of 34 appearances.
Led by Messi, Argentina won its 15th Copa America title three years ago, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, by beating Brazil 1-0 in the final.
Messi will turn 37 during the Copa America, which will also mark the first time he’ll play a major event since leaving European soccer. He scored 15 goals in 14 matches for MLS’s Inter Miami this year.
The Argentina captain has struggled with muscular injuries since the World Cup, but has not said when he expects to retire from the national team.
“Time will tell whether I will be (at the 2026 World Cup) or not,” Messi told Star Plus in December. “As long as I feel I am well and that I am able to help, I will do it. Today all I think about is to get well to the Copa America and play it. Fight for it again, as we always do, try to be the champions.
“If we do well at Copa America and I can keep playing, maybe it happens.”
— With files from the Associated Press
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, has once again etched his name in the history books by setting a new record for the most appearances in the Copa America tournament for Argentina. The superstar forward surpassed Javier Mascherano’s previous record of 147 appearances during Argentina’s match against Bolivia on June 28th, 2021.
Messi, who made his debut for the Argentine national team in 2005, has been a mainstay in the squad ever since. His incredible skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the greatest players of all time. Over the years, Messi has represented Argentina in numerous international tournaments, including four World Cups and multiple Copa America competitions.
The Copa America is the oldest international football tournament in the world, dating back to 1916. It is held every four years and features the top national teams from South America competing for glory. For Messi, the tournament holds a special significance as it is one of the few major titles that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career.
By breaking Mascherano’s record for most appearances in the Copa America, Messi has once again demonstrated his commitment and dedication to representing his country at the highest level. His leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in guiding Argentina to success in recent years, including their victory in the 2021 Copa America tournament.
As Messi continues to rewrite the record books and cement his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time, fans around the world eagerly anticipate what other milestones he will achieve in the future. With his unparalleled talent and passion for the game, there is no doubt that Messi will continue to inspire and amaze football fans for years to come.