Sent-off on debut, Messi now set for 100th appearance for Argentina
Lionel Messi who is set to turn 28 on June 24 is all set to complete a hundred caps for Argentina when he leads the team out against Jamaica in a crucial Copa America clash. "It's a beautiful thing to play a hundred games for Argentina. I've gone through a lot, including some difficult times and tricky situations, but other times have been much better", Messi was quoted by dpa according to a report by Spanish newspaper Marca.
"I've played in the World Cup final and the Copa América. Hopefully after these 100 games the titles can start to arrive, which is what I'd love", Messi said. The Argentine captain has scored 46 goals in the 99 games he has played for the Albiceleste. It is expected that Messi will break the goal scoring record of Gabriel Batistuta. The former Roma striker is Argentina’s top scorer with 56 goals.
Red card on debut
However, Messi’s debut was not a night to remember. Messi made his Argentina debut on August 17 2005 as an 18-year-old in a friendly match against Hungary in Budapest. Argentina won the match 2-1.
Messi was brought on in the 65th minute of the match by Jose Pekerman who was the Argentine manager at that time. But his debut did not go according to plan as he was given a straight red card for allegedly elbowing Hungarian player Vilmos Vanczak. It was a contentious decision which marked an unceremonious first start for the Argentina national team.
But 46 goals and 100 caps later, Messi has left all that in the past and would be aiming to guide to Argentina to Copa America glory. Argentina lost in the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and Messi would be hoping that he can taste success with the national team by winning the Copa America.
After having won everything that is there to win at the club level, what Messi really craves for is to win silverware with the national team.
“I'm very happy to be here and hopefully I can celebrate another victory and once and for all win a title with Argentina," Messi said.
Watch Messi getting sent-off on his debut: