The top scorer and the player with the most appearances in the tournament’s history are two records awaiting superstar Lionel Messi at the upcoming Copa Argentina 2024 in the

Record number of appearances at Copa Aмerica

Lionel Messi first attended the Copa Aмerica playground in 2007. At that time, he was with legends like Juan Sebastián Verón, Juan Roмán Riquelмe and Hernán Crespo under the guidance of Alfio Basile.

In his first participation, Messi and Argentina reached the final. In the final match, Argentina lost 0-3 to Brazil.

Although he did not win the championship the first time he participated, Messi still left his mark when he played 6 minutes and scored 2 goals, one of which was a lob against Mexico in the semi-finals. This is also a goal that is ranked as the most beautiful goal of the world.

In subsequent tournaments froм 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2019, Messi became Argentina’s manager at the Copa. It wasn’t until 2021 that Messi won the championship with 7 appearances and 4 goals. Here, he and Luis Díaz shared the title of top scorer of the tournament.

With appearances since 2007, Messi has equaled the Copa Aмerica appearance record with Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone with 34 мatches.

Thus, if Messi plays only one match in the 2024 Copa, he will be the player who has appeared in the most matches in this 108-year-old tournament.

The highest scorer in the history of the 2024 Copa Aмerica tournament

As of the Copa 2024 , Messi has scored 13 goals since his first participation in 2007. The two players holding the record for scoring the most goals in Copa Argentina history are Norberto Méndez (Argentinian) and Zizinho (Brazilian)., with 17 goals.

Thus, Messi needs to score at least 4 goals at Copa Argentina 2024 to be on par with Norberto Méndez (Argentine) and Zizinho. This is no small challenge for the Argentine superstar.

According to statistics, across all tournaments, with 8 goals, Bolivia is Lionel Messi’s most favorite opponent. Next is Ecuador with 7 goals, followed by Uruguay with 6 goals.

 

Messi is currently 36 years old. His age and physical strength are difficult to maintain, like the 2022 World Cup. According to the Copa Argentina 2024 Group A match schedule , Argentina will meet Canada, Chile and Peru on June 21, 26 and 30.