Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Canada in their opening Copa America match of 2024 saw superstar Lionel Messi continue to make history.
Argentina’s Messi began against Canada, as expected. With his boots on, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made his 35th Copa America appearance, creating a new tournament record.
Messi made his Copa America debut in 2007 and has now eclipsed Chile custodian Sergio Livingstone (34) for the most appearances in South America’s major competition. Livingstone has had the record since 1953, 71 years ago.
Furthermore, after an assist for Lautaro Martinez’s goal against Canada, Messi now has 17 assists in the Copa America, more than any other player. The 36-year-old superstar’s first assist came in Copa America 2011, and it’s worth noting that in Copa America history, the individual with the second most assists after Messi has only stopped five times.
Messi had a great match against Canada
Argentina’s Angel Di Maria and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez have the second most assists in the Copa America, but their total is only five, three times less than Messi’s. Messi is just outstanding.
Speaking after Argentina’s win over Canada, Messi said: “We knew it would be a difficult game, very tense. In the first half there was very little space. Luckily, we quickly found the goal in the second half, but the game became even more difficult. We had enough patience to have the ball, to move from one wing to the other. Most opponents play differently when facing us so we had to keep control.”