Argentina star Lionel Messi became the most-capped player in Copa America history on Thursday as he reached 35 appearances in the opening match of the tournament against Canada.
The 36-year-old had shared the record with Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone (34 caps) since appearing in the final of the 2021 Copa America in Brazil, where Argentina triumphed.
Messi’s appearances have been spread across seven editions of the Copa America, starting with the 2007 tournament in Venezuela.
The eight-times Ballon d’Or winner could set more records in this year’s competition — he needs four goals to tie compatriot Norberto Mendez and Brazil’s Zizinho as all-time Copa America scorer with 17 goals.
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Should Argentina win the tournament, Messi would also become the first captain to win back-to-back tournaments.
Notably, the ongoing Copa America is set to be Messi’s final edition of the continental championship as he is set to turn 37 on Monday.
Meanwhile, winger Angel Di Maria, 36, is approaching the end of his career, signalling an era’s conclusion for Argentina.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has urged his compatriots not to worry about when Messi and Di Maria will hang up their boots and to instead just enjoy watching them in the Copa America.
“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’m with renewed ideas and strength. It’s a nice challenge to defend the title,” Scaloni said.
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