Lionel Messi Records at Copa America: A Look At Major Achievements Argentina Football Team Captain Holds in The CONMEBOL Tournament Ahead of 2024 Edition
Defending Copa America Champion Argentina will kick start their title defence from Group A fixture against Canada. Star player Lionel Messi has already set multiple records in the competition with his multidimensional offensive gameplay. Check out records held by the Argentine maestro.
Lionel Messi is a name symbolizing the ‘record books’ of football. The star Argentine with his unique style of gameplay and footballing IQ has drawn comparisons with players like Pele, Maradona, Michael Platini, Johan Cruyff and many former superstars to new-age talents like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Messi broke multiple records held by the above-mentioned stars and is continuing to mesmerise football fans still at the age of 36. Lionel Messi Shares Glimpse of Argentina Training Session as La Albiceleste Prepare for Copa America 2024 Opener Against Canada (See Pics).
The 2022 World Cup Winner Messi will be part of the Argentina National Football Team as they look to defend the title at Copa America 2024. La Pulga has already made his mark on the continental competition and holds multiple records. Check out some of the major achievements held by Lionel Messi in Copa America,
Lionel Messi Records in Copa America
Most Copa America Editions by an Argentine Player: Lionel Messi achieved the feat during the 2021 Copa America tournament. Debuting in 2007 Copa America, Messi played in his sixth Copa America tournament, surpassing Javier Mascherano's tally of five Copa America competition appearances.
Most Copa America Games Played by an Argentine Player: Along with the highest number of Copa America editions and deep runs in those competitions, Lionel Messi holds the record of being the most capped Argentine in the continental tournament with 34 matches played so far. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez Top List of Best-Selling Jersey in MLS, Inter Miami Stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets Make into Top 25.
Most Attempts on Goal: The Argentine forward also has more attempts on goal than any other South American star in the competition. Messi had 102 attempts on goal in 34 matches played.
Most assists in Copa America Competition: Along with scoring goals, playmaking is Lione Messi’s one of the deadliest attributes. Although he created many chances for his teammates during the Copa America competitions – 17 of them resulted in goals which is the all-time assists record in the tournament. Argentina 4-1 Guatemala, International Friendlies 2024: Lionel Messi Scores Twice and Assists One Goal in Return to Starting XI.
Most Assists in a single tournament: Lionel Messi was an integral part of Argentina’s win in the 2021 Copa America. He was the top assist maker in the competition and along with the tournament feat, Messi set the record for most assists (Five) in a single edition of Copa America history.
The only player with a two-time Player of the Tournament award: Lionel Messi played in six Copa America tournaments before and played in four finals. During this impressive run, Messi led the team to one Copa America title and won the Player of the Tournament award in 2021. Also, his efforts in the 2015 Copa America were recognized as the Argentine star was named player of the Tournament despite losing the finals against Chile.
Lionel Messi will be looking for his fourth senior-level international trophy as he enters the Copa America 2024 as one of the favourites. Still playing best at the highest level, Messi would be in for more records along with accolades. The Argentina National Football Team will start their campaign from Group A and will face the Canada National Football Team on 21st June IST.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2024 02:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).