Lionel Messi set to make Copa America history when he leads Argentina out for Copa America 2024 opener against Canada
Argentina star Lionel Messi will become the most capped player in Copa America history when he leads his side out against Canada on Thursday, 20 June, in their opening game.
The Inter Miami ace is confirmed to start their first game as the defending champions, and that will mark his 35th game in the championship, surpassing Chile's Sergio Livingstone.
A goalkeeper by trade, Livingstone played only 13 years with the Reds, but participated in six Copa America tournaments during that period, starting from 1941 until his final appearance in 1953.
Interestingly, his Copa games accounted for a massive 65% of his total appearances for Chile, as Livingstone was capped only 52 times with the side in his career.
Making his Copa debut way back in 2007, Messi has competed in a total of six editions, winning it once - three years ago, when La Albiceleste ended their 28-year trophy drought.
Messi was the driving force behind it with four goals and five assists, playing every minute of their campaign as Argentina beat hosts and then-title holders Brazil in the finals.
His first appearance in Copa America was against USA on 29 June 2007, wherein he bagged an assist as Argentina ran out 4-1 victors. Interestingly, his record-breaking cap is against another North American side in Canada, who are making their championship debut.
Lionel Messi is set to play against Canada for the first time
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi's record-breaking 35th appearance in Copa America is also against a side that he's never played before - Canada. In the two side's only prior encounter back in 2010, Messi was absent from the clash, although La Albiceleste won 5-0 regardless.
Messi now has a chance to score against a new side, as the Maple Leaves could join his long list of victims over the years. In fact, he's scored against 37 nations in his career.
Bolivia is his favorite side with eight goals, followed by Ecuador (7). There are 11 teams against whom he's netted once, including the USA. How many will Messi bag against Canada? We shall find out soon...