Lionel Messi sets new record after 2-0 victory against Canada in Copa America 2024

Lionel Messi is one of the most decorated footballers of all time. The Argentina captain once again surpassed several records after he appeared for the 2-0 win in the opening fixture of the Copa America 2024 against Canada. The all-time greatest playmaker set a record for becoming the footballer with the most appearances in a major tournament. he surpassed the Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone who featured in 34 games and the former made it 35th on the night. 

Messi got two golden opportunities to score his 14th goal of the tournament but he failed on both occasions as he did not bring his finishing boots in the first game. However, he was directly involved in assisting both goals, as he set up the first goal after a beautiful through pass to Liverpool midfielder Alexis MacAllister who poked the ball diagonally to Julian Alvarez who tapped home into the back of an empty net. 

Then he played an amazing through ball to substitute Lautaro Martinez who who slotted through the legs of the Canadian goalkeeper to double their lead and secure victory on the opening night. After the assist on the second goal, he became the first player to have an assist in seven different Copa Americas and also has the most number of goal contributions in international tournaments. 

Messi sets new record

The Inter Miami footballer has 54 goal contributions with 26 goals and 28 assists to his name combining the World Cups and the Copa Americas. He started participating in Copa at the age of 20, and since then, he has gone on to win the championship in 2021, being second three times, and finishing third in 2019.

The 36-year-old forward has been the leading goal scorer for the country and the whole of South America. This might also be his final tournament in the jersey of the three-time World Champions till the next time he turns 41 years old and he will look to defend the trophy on what might be his final tournament.