Lionel Messi became the player with the most appearances in the history of CONMEBOL Copa América™: when he appeared in the match against Canada, the Argentine reached 35 matches across seven editions of the tournament.
Messi became the player with the most appearances in the history of the world’s oldest national team tournament.
The number 10 started for the Argentine national team in the opening match of the 48th edition of the tournament, against Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ Tournament Commences: Argentina and Canada to Inaugurate the Event
Messi surpassed the historic Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone, who had set the record in 1953.
Messi made his debut in the CONMEBOL Copa América™ at 20 years old, when he was called up by Alfio Basile. Sergio Batista (2011), Gerardo Martino (2015 and 2016), and Lionel Scaloni (2019, 2021, and 2024) were the other coaches he had in this tournament.
In the six previous editions, Messi achieved one title (2021), three runner-up finishes (2007, 2015, and 2016), a third place (2019), and in 2011, he reached the quarterfinals.
Photo/InterMiamiCF
Copa America contributed to this column
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