Lionel Messi misses out on 3 incredible Copa America records despite achieving 4 unique milestones in 2024 edition
Lionel Messi had an underwhelming Copa America 2024 individually but Argentina won the trophy regardless. The legendary forward managed to reach four milestones in the tournament but also missed out on three records.
La Albiceleste came into the tournament hoping to defend their title, which they last won in Brazil in 2021. They started with a comfortably 2-0 win over Canada before a gritty 1-0 win over Chile. With qualification already confirmed, manager Lionel Scaloni rotated his side for their final group game against Peru, which they won 2-0.
In the quarter-finals, they escaped past Ecuador on penalties. After a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes, Lionel Messi missed his penalty in the shootout. However, two saves from Emiliano Martinez ensured Argentina reached the semi-finals. They again beat Canada 2-0 in the semi-final before getting past Colombia 1-0 after extra time in the final to lift the trophy.
Messi scored one goal and provided one assist in five appearances in the tournament. He broke four Copa America records but missed out on three.
3 records Lionel Messi missed out on at Copa America 2024
The 37-year-old scored just one goal in the tournament, which came in their 2-0 win over Canada in the semi-final. It took his overall tally to 14 goals at Copa America, which is three short of compatriot Norberto Mendez and Brazil's Zizinho.
Messi won the Player of the Tournament award at Copa America 2015 and Copa America 2021. Had he won it at Copa America 2024, he would've been the first player to win it three times and also the first to do it consecutively. However, James Rodriguez won the Player of the Tournament award in this edition.
Messi also was unable to join the list of 10 players to have scored two hat-tricks in the tournament's history.
4 milestones Lionel Messi reached at Copa America 2024
With his goal against Canada, Lionel Messi has now scored 109 goals for Argentina in 187 games. He is now the second-highest goalscorer of all-time in international football behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 130 for Portugal. The Argentine overtook Iran's Ali Daei.
Lionel Messi also became the first player to reach five Copa America finals, having won twice.
He also became the first Argentina player to feature in seven editions of the tournament. He is tied with Hector Scarone, Miton Megar, and Carlos Borja. They are one behind Angel Romano and Alex Aguinaga.
Finally, Messi has now played the most matches in Copa America history. He overtook Chile's Sergio Livingstone in the first match at Copa America 2024, marking his 35th appearance. He then played four more games to take his tally to 39.