Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has officially become the most-capped player in Copa America history, reaching 35 appearances in the tournament’s opening match against Canada on Thursday.
At 36 years old, Messi surpassed the previous record held jointly with Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone, who had 34 caps.
This milestone follows Messi’s participation in the final of the 2021 Copa America in Brazil, where Argentina emerged victorious.
Messi’s Copa America journey began in the 2007 tournament in Venezuela and has spanned seven editions since.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is on the brink of setting more records in this year’s competition.
He needs just four goals to tie with compatriot Norberto Mendez and Brazil’s Zizinho as the all-time top scorers in Copa America history, each with 17 goals.
Additionally, if Argentina wins the tournament, Messi would become the first captain to lead his team to back-to-back Copa America titles.
