Lionel Messi is a record-breaking machine and usually achieves every goal he sets. At this 2024 Copa America held in the US, he can break two other historical records of the tournament.
The player with the most appearances in Copa America history
Messi is present in every Copa America and in the most recent tournament in Brazil, he equaled the all-time record. La Pulga started in the final against the Selecao and thanks to that he played 34 matches in the tournament. This is a number that only Sergio Livingston, former Chilean team goalkeeper, who played in 6 periods (1941, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1949 and 1953) can achieve. However, Messi is about to surpass Livingston to become the player with the most appearances in the tournament’s history.
In fact, number 10 is always one of the main players in coach Lionel Scaloni’s starting lineup, so on June 21, in the match against Canada, he will surpass this record. If that is achieved, the Inter Miami star will maintain first place for a long time, because the main suitor who is still playing, Paolo Guerrero of Peru, has only 25 matches.
Messi wants to become the top scorer in Copa America history
This goal is a bit more difficult, but for Messi anything is possible. In all Copa America competitions, the 37-year-old striker has scored 13 goals and still has a long way to go to compete for the tournament’s all-time top scorer title.
The first position is held by two players, Norberto Mendez of Argentina and Zizinho of Brazil. Both have scored 17 goals but they could be surpassed if Messi has an excellent Copa America.
It is important to know that Messi scored 4 goals and contributed 3 assists in the previous Copa America. This year, if Argentina reaches the final or competes for third place, La Pulga will have 6 matches to find goals. Will it be enough for him to beat or equal the record?