Copa America

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Copa America | Group Stage

Jun 21, 2024 at 1am UK

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Argentina
2 - 0
Canada

Alvarez (49'), Martinez (88')
De Paul (61'), Lo Celso (90+1')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Kone (81'), Cornelius (90+4')

Lionel Messi breaks Copa America record in Argentina's win over Canada

By Ben Sully

Published: June 21 2024 | 16:14

Last updated: June 23 2024 | 13:40

Record-breaker: Messi creates Copa America history

Argentina legend Lionel Messi breaks a Copa America record in Thursday's 2-0 win over Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Argentina star Lionel Messi broke the Copa America appearance record in Thursday's 2-0 win over Canada in Atlanta.

The Copa America holders played out a goalless first period, before Messi came to the fore to help his side score two second-half goals.

Messi, now at Inter Miami, produced a defence-splitting pass to pick out Alexis Mac Allister, who teed up Julian Alvarez for a simple finish.

In the 88th minute, Messi picked up the ball in the Canadian half before sending Lautaro Martinez through on goal with a perfectly-weighted pass, which allowed the Inter Milan forward to place a first-time finish through the legs of Maxime Crepeau.

Argentina's Lionel Messi in action on June 20, 2024 © Reuters

Messi makes Copa America history

Not only did Messi produce another sublime performance, but he also created a piece of Copa America history with his presence in Thursday's victory.

Messi broke the all-time record for the most appearances at Copa America after featuring in his 35th match in the tournament.

The Argentina icon previously shared the record with Chile's legendary goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone, who made 34 appearances across six Copa America tournaments.

Messi is currently featuring at his seventh Copa America after making his first appearance at the 2007 competition in Venezuela.

Argentina's Lionel Messi on June 9, 2024. © Reuters

Messi targeting Copa America scoring record

The forward, who will turn 37 on Monday, extended his Copa America assist record to 18 with his exquisite pass for Argentina's second goal against Canada.

Messi may now be targeting the competition's all-time scoring record, which is currently shared by Argentina's Norberto Mendez and Brazil's Zizinho.

Having netted 13 Copa America goals, Messi needs four more to equal the record and five goals to surpass all those who have gone before him.

It may prove to be a tough ask, but the Argentina legend has already scored four or more goals in two previous Copa America tournaments.

Messi netted five goals in the 2016 edition, before scoring four goals on his way to helping Argentina lift the trophy in 2021.

Argentina and Messi will be back in action on Tuesday night when they face Chile at the Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford.