Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 at the Copa America, and Lionel Messi broke a record that was over 70 years old to set a new appearance record. After making 35 appearances at the competition, the 36-year-old broke Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone’s 1953 record in the Copa 2024 opening match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Another record bites the dust
When Argentina won their 15th Copa title three years ago thanks to a 1-0 victory over Brazil, the Inter Miami star tied Livingstone’s record (34 matches) before surpassing it on Friday morning.
Messi, who turns 37 on Monday, also added an 18th assist to his Copa America record after he set up Lautaro Martínez for Argentina’s second goal with a perfectly weighted pass.
Lionel Messi lauds Canada after 2-0 win
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game. Luckily we found the goal early in the second half, but Canada still managed to complicate the game for us,” Messi said after the game.
“Most opponents play differently against us. Our key is to be patient and move the ball from side to side,” he added.
Under former Argentina manager Alfio Basile, the forward made his Conmebol tournament debut in 2007 by starting a game against Venezuela. Messi continued to play in the six games that La Albicelete played in 2007, and featured in a 3-0 loss to Brazil in the final.
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