New Delhi: Argentina emerged victorious in the Copa America final against a strong Colombian side, securing their 16th title. But the story of the tournament wasn’t just about Argentina’s win – it was about Lionel Messi defying the odds.
Despite a worrying injury scare in the first half, Messi soldiered to leave his mark on the competition in a historic way. While a hamstring issue forced him off the pitch later in the game his contributions throughout the tournament were undeniable. Though he finished with one goal and one assist, Messi’s true impact lies in the records he shattered at this Copa America.
Let’s delve into the records Messi broke at the 2024 Copa America:
Most Copa America appearances
When Messi took to the pitch for the opening game of Copa America against Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, he became the player with the most matches played in the tournament with 35 games to his name. This record surpassed the previous mark set by Chile’s Sergio Livingstone, who played 34 games.
First Argentine to play in seven Copa America
Messi officially became the first Argentine player to represent his nation in seven editions of Copa America. He has played in every edition since the 2007 Copa America tournament. He now ties Héctor Scarone, Milton Melgar, and Carlos Borja for third-most appearances all-time, only behind Angel Romano and Alex Aguinaga who have played the tournament eight times each.
Second highest international goalscorer
Lionel Messi cemented his legendary status as he scored against Canada in the Copa America 2024 semi-final. He achieved this feat after breaking a tie with Iranian legend Ali Daei and surpassing him, making it 109 goals in the tally.
Before that match, Lionel Messi was the second-highest active international goal scorer with 108 goals. He is just behind Portugal’s legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who has the highest tally with 130 goals.
First player in five Copa America finals
Messi set a new milestone as he hit the pitch against Colombia on Monday morning. With that, he becomes the first player to feature in the five finals of Copa America- 2007, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2024.
First player to play in seven finals of international tournaments
With his appearance in the 2024 Copa America final, Lionel Messi became the first player to play in seven finals of international tournaments – five Copa America finals and two World Cup finals.
Most trophies holder in football history
Lionel Messi surpassed Dani Alves to become the footballer with the most trophies in history. As Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the final on Monday morning this led to the addition of another feather in Messi’s trophies lists.
Before him, Dani Alves holds the crown with 44 trophies. With a staggering 45 trophies in his cabinet now Messi boasts a testament to his unmatched consistency and dominance over the years.
Messi rewrites history! Most appearances, second all-time international scorer and many more. Read about his record-breaking Copa America campaign. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
