Records Lionel Messi Could Break During Copa America 2024: Check Out Milestones Argentina Football Team Captain Can Achieve in CONMEBOL Tournament
Defending Copa America Champion Argentina will kick start their title defence from Group A fixture against Canada. Star player Lionel Messi already has set multiple records in the competition and is set for another record-making tournament. Check out feasible milestones for the Argentine maestro.
The Argentina National Football Team has been on a great run since the side won the 2021 Copa America tournament. They followed up the continental glory with a triumph over the European Champions Italy and won the Finalissima title. They concurred the World Cup 2022 completing the treble for the side. Lionel Messi was at the heart of all these achievements and won many individual accolades for his performances in these international tournaments. Lionel Messi Records at Copa America: A Look At Major Achievements Argentina Football Team Captain Holds in The CONMEBOL Tournament Ahead of 2024 Edition.
The Argentine magician also broke multiple records in that run and he is set to play in his seventh continental competition as he prepares for the Copa America 2024. Here are some Records held by Lionel Messi and possible records LM10 could achieve in the competition.
Possible Records Lionel Messi in Upcoming Copa America 2024
Player with Most Appearances at Copa America: Lionel Messi already holds the record for most Copa America matches for the Argentina National Football Team but in the tournament, he is level with Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone who also has 34 caps for his side in the competition. Messi could overtake the tally by making an appearance in a single match.
All-time Top Scorer in Copa America: Despite playing in six Copa America competitions before, Lionel Messi has scored 13 goals and stands seventh in the All-Time scorers' list in the tournament. The position of the top scorer is shared at 17 goals by a compatriot of his - Norberto Méndez and a Brazilian Zizinho. 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 International Goals: Messi currently stands joint second in all-time international goals scored with Ali Daei. The South American superstar is a goal away to claim the second position. The top position is far-fetched though as leader Cristiano Ronaldo has 130 international goals and is currently playing in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.
Most International Goals Contributions: even though goal scoring record might be a ‘long shot’, goal contribution is where Lionel Messi excels. Cristiano Ronaldo (165) currently holds the record for the most international goal contributions with 130 goals scored and 35 assists. But Messi has the chance to surpass his perennial rival at Copa America. The Argentine star ahs scored 108 goals so far and provided 54 assists despite playing in fewer matches. Looking at his current form, Messi could surpass Ronaldo’s G/A tally in the 2024 Copa America. Lionel Messi Shares Glimpse of Argentina Training Session as La Albiceleste Prepare for Copa America 2024 Opener Against Canada (See Pics).
Two Hat-trick in Copa America: If Messi scores a hat-trick, he will join an elite group of just 10 other players who have scored two Copa America hat-tricks. His only hat-trick in the competition so far came back in 2016 against Panama.
While all these records are quite attainable by Lionel Messi’s standards, the Argentina National Football Team will be aiming for a deep run in the Copa America 2024 competition which will help LM10 to set the above-mentioned records.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2024 03:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).