Lionel Messi sets new record after starting in Argentina's Copa America 2024 opener vs Canada
Lionel Messi, no stranger to making and breaking records, set a new one when he started for Argentina in their Copa America 2024 opening game against Canada. The match is underway at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 20.
This clash marks the Inter Miami superstar's 35th appearance in the continental tournament, overtaking Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone's record for the most appearances in Copa America's history.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made his senior international debut in 2005 and became the youngest Argentine to play and score in a World Cup (2006). He made his Copa America debut in 2007, providing an assist in a 4-1 victory against USA.
Speaking about Messi and Angel Di María ahead of this year's tournament opener, Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni said (via GOAL):
“It is a pleasure to see them train and play, how they give themselves. I am not worried about the future of Messi and Di Maria. It doesn't make much sense to think about when they're gone. Let's enjoy them now, we'll see what happens later. Messi is fine, he's happy. I have renewed ideas and strength. It's a nice challenge to defend the title.”
Lionel Messi finally won the Copa América title in 2021 as Argentina beat Brazil in the final. He previously finished as a runner-up in three editions (2007, 2015, and 2016). The Barcelona legend has scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 34 matches in the tournament (not counting the ongoing game against Canada).
More records Lionel Messi can make and break at Copa America 2024
After becoming the player with the most appearances in Copa America's history, Lionel Messi can break some more records in this edition.
The Argentina captain can become the player with the most goals in a single edition of the tournament if he finds the back of the net more than nine times. He can also become the player with the most goals in Copa Amrica's history. Messi has 13 goals in the tournament, four shy of the record held by Norberto Mendez (Argentina) and Zizinho (Brazil).
The Inter Miami superstar is also tied for second spot with Iranian legend Ali Daei on the all-time list of international goalscorers (108 goals). With just one more goal, he will have the second spot to himself. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with 130 international goals.