Argentina star Lionel Messi became the most-capped player in Copa America history as he made 35 appearances in the opening match of the tournament against Canada, which the defending champion won 2-0 in Atlanta.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner 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 has made appearances in seven different Copa tournaments, beginning with the 2007 competition in Venezuela.
The eight-time 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 scorers with 17 goals.
Should Argentina win the tournament, Messi would also become the first captain to win back-to-back tournaments.
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