Messi Makes Most Appearance Records In Copa America

Lionel Messi started in the opening match of the 2024 Copa America (Instagram/@leomessi).

JAKARTA The Argentine star and captain, Lionel Messi, officially recorded himself as the player with the most appearances in the history of the Copa America.

The record was made by La Pulga when he started in the opening match of the 2024 American Copa from Group A against Canada in Atlanta, United States, Friday, June 21, 2024, morning WIB.

It was Messi's 35th appearance in the tournament since making his debut in 2007. In total, the player has been involved in seven Copa America titles since then.

In addition to this year and the debut edition, Messi also appeared in the Copa Americas in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2016, and 2021. Of the seven opportunities, he got one title in the 2021 edition.

Messi, Argentina's all-time top scorer, outperformed former Chile goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone, who set the record for most appearances in 1953.

Of these appearances, Messi scored 13 goals and 17 assists. If you want to be the top scorer of all time at the Copa America then Messi needs five more goals to achieve that feat.

Currently, the top score of the Copa America is held by Noberto Mendez (Argentina) and Zizinho (Brazil). Both players lead the top score with both collecting 17 goals.

Meanwhile, the result against Canada made Argentina sit at the top of Group A. They need one more win to reach the knockout quarter-finals.

Messi and his friends will next play the remaining two preliminary rounds against Chile on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, and the final match against Peru on Sunday, June 30, 2024.