All records Lionel Messi broke at Copa America 2024

Lionel Messi has now secured two Copa America and one World Cup.

Argentina clinched their 16th Copa America title in a tense final against Colombia at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The match, delayed due to fan chaos, saw Colombia start strongly, creating early chances. Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi suffered an injury scare but continued playing.

The first half ended goalless, with Colombia dominating. The second half saw both teams creating opportunities, but Messi was eventually substituted due to a hamstring issue, leaving him in tears on the bench.

As regulation time ended 0-0, the match went into extra time. Argentina had a goal disallowed for offside earlier, but finally broke the deadlock in the 112th minute when substitute Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal.

Despite Colombia’s efforts, they couldn’t find an equalizer. Argentina held on to win 1-0, securing their record-breaking 16th Copa America trophy

Captain Lionel Messi has had a mixed bag campaign at the 2024 Copa America, registering a total of one goal and one assist throughout the tournament. In the opening game win against Canada, Messi delivered a strong performance and got a sumptuous assist to his name. After a frustrating outing against Chile, the 37-year-old forward sustained a groin/thigh injury that temporarily put his chances of playing again in the competition in jeopardy.

However, after being an unused substitute in the final group match against Peru, Messi was medically cleared to play in Argentina’s quarterfinal clash against Ecuador. After failing to have much of an impact during the game, Messi uncharacteristically missed his spot kick in the penalty shootouts that got La Albiceleste off to the worst possible start.

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However, Lionel Messi silenced his critics with an incredible performance against Canada in the semifinals, where he opened his goal-scoring account for the tournament after he doubled Argentina’s lead in the second half.

Irrespective of his form, Lionel Messi has broken multiple records at Copa America 2024:

In the tournament curtain-raiser against Canada, Lionel Messi surpassed Chilean legend Sergio Livingstone by making his 35th appearance in the competition to become the player with the most appearances in Copa America history. Messi has currently played 39 matches.

With his goal against Canada in the semi-final stage, Lionel Messi equaled the record for most goals scored in different editions of the Copa America (6). He now shares that feat with Brazilian legend Zizinho.

With his appearance in the 2024 Copa America final, Lionel Messi now holds the record for the most Copa America finals played (5 – 2007, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2024).

With his appearance in the 2024 Copa America final, Lionel Messi became the first player to play in seven finals of international tournaments (5 Copa America finals & 2 World Cup finals).

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