Advertisement

Copa America 2021: Lionel Messi breaks Argentina's record for caps, scores two in win over Bolivia

Messi's 148th appearance for Argentina beat the mark previously held by retired defender Javier Mascherano.

Advertisement
|Jun 29, 2021, 08:41:51 IST

Lionel Messi became Argentina's most capped international player on Monday, marking the occasion with two goals as he led his national team to a 4-1 win over Bolivia at the Copa America.The 34-year-old Messi's 148th appearance for Argentina beat the mark previously held by retired defender Javier Mascherano.His two goals and one assist helped Argentina ensure top spot in Group A, setting up a quarterfinal against Ecuador on Saturday.Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 in a 2-1 win in a friendly against Hungary. He was sent off during that match after hitting a rival with his elbow.The Barcelona striker, who holds the all-time Argentina high of 75 goals, is also seeking to break two South American records: Pele's as the top goal scorer of a national team (77 for Brazil), and Chile's Sergio Livingstone mark of 34 for most Copa America appearances (Messi has 31).Diego Maradona scored 32 goals in 87 matches for Argentina, including the 1986 World Cup triumph. Messi, despite his impressive individual statistics, is yet to win a major title for Argentina.He was runner-up at the 2014 World Cup and at two editions of Copa America in 2015 and in '16.

Advertisement
Handpicked stories, in your inbox
Global stories. Indian perspective. Zero noise.
No Spam. Unsubscribe Any Time.
First Published:Jun 29, 2021, 08:41:51 IST
Advertisement
Advertisement
Trending Stories

Rodri beats Messi to win Golden Boot award; Check out full list of 2026 World Cup award winners

The 2026 World Cup wrapped up in thrilling fashion, with Spain clinching a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina to become world champions. La Roja will add a second star above their crest, joining the list of teams that became multi-time World Cup winners. Substitute Ferran Torres struck in extra time to help Spain secure a 1-0 lead. The Spanish side looked utterly dominant with their playmaking, while Argentina was lacklustre. Even Messi, who carried the team to the summit clash, failed to display his magic. Following the tournament, check out the full list of the FIFA 2026 World Cup award winners.
1 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Up Next